Sake Enters UNESCO and This New Beverage Will Send Chills Down Your spine
We are pleased to announce some exciting news in the world of sake. Aumont Brewery, located in Niigata Prefecture, has just unveiled its latest creation: Kay Sake . This new brand of Japanese rice wine comes to the market at a particularly opportune time, coinciding with the recognition of sake by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
Sake elevated to world cultural treasure status
Last week, at a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, the UNESCO committee responsible for safeguarding the cultural heritage of humanity made a historic decision. Sake , Japan's iconic beverage, was officially inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage. This recognition crowns centuries of Japanese brewing tradition and underlines the cultural importance of this age-old drink.
As wine and spirits enthusiasts, we can only rejoice at this decision. Sake, with its rich history dating back over 2000 years, is well deserving of this distinction. Here are some key facts about sake:
- Sake has been produced in Japan since the 3rd century BC.
- In 2022, Japan exported approximately 35.8 million liters of sake
- There are over 1,200 sake breweries in Japan.
Kay Sake: tradition and innovation
The launch of Kay Sake by the Aumont brewery perfectly illustrates the duality between tradition and modernity that characterizes the world of sake. Supervised by master brewer Tanaka-Toji, a recognized expert in the production of sake in a natural environment, this new beverage promises to shake up the codes while respecting the heritage of this ancestral drink.
Jack Ruys, CEO of Kay Sake, said: “We are proud to be part of this category as we introduce Kay Sake to new occasions and presentations, whilst celebrating its heritage and quality.” This innovative approach is reflected in the bottle design, created by renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, which combines contemporary aesthetics with respect for tradition.
A marriage between East and West
As a sommelier who has traveled to vineyards around the world, I am particularly intrigued by Kay Sake’s promise of versatile servings that blend Eastern tradition with Western style . This cultural fusion may well be the key to demystifying sake for a Western audience and further integrating it into our drinking habits.
Here is a comparison chart illustrating the differences between the traditional and modern approach to sake:
| Appearance | Traditional sake | Modern Approach (Kay Sake) |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Classic ceramic bottle | Contemporary design by Marcel Wanders |
| Consumption | Mainly pure, hot or cold | Versatile, suitable for cocktails |
| Target | Japanese culture lovers | Varied international audience |
The promising future of sake
UNESCO’s recognition, coupled with innovative initiatives like Kay Sake’s, suggests a bright future for sake on the international stage . As wine and spirits enthusiasts, we look forward to seeing how this ancient beverage will continue to evolve and conquer new palates around the world.
As wine adventurers, we can only encourage you to explore the fascinating world of sake. Whether tasting traditional varieties or discovering modern interpretations like Kay Sake, each sip is an invitation to travel, a dive into the rich Japanese culture. So, let's raise our glasses to this well-deserved recognition and to the promising future of sake!
