Message from Beverage Director, Sam Miyazawa:

Sake and wine are often compared, and although they have similarities, they also have more differences.

In particular, rice cultivation and grape cultivation are very different. Both require well-drained soil and a difference in temperature between day and night, which greatly affects the quality of the produce, but while grapes are best grown on hilly land or gently sloping land, rice requires flat, vast land.

In this respect, the land and soil throughout Japan are ideal for rice cultivation, but in the United States, the areas suitable for rice cultivation are limited due to the topography and climate.

For many years, California was the top producer of rice in the United States, but now Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States, and the rice produced is not only consumed domestically, but some of it is also exported to Japan.

View of a rice field in Arkansas

Arkansas has a climate that is hot and humid in the summer and cool and dry in the winter, which provides sufficient water temperature and sunlight hours necessary for rice growth.

In addition, large-scale irrigation facilities have been developed within the state, and water supply and management for rice paddies is thoroughly carried out.

Until now, table rice production was the mainstream in Arkansas as well. However, in recent years, the cultivation of sake rice has been attracting attention, and in the 2010s some farmers began cultivating sake rice, and the area of cultivation is gradually increasing.

Furthermore, currently, several sake breweries in the United States (such as Brooklyn Kura and Dassai Blue) are brewing sake using sake rice grown in Arkansas, and it has been highly praised not only by locals but also by sake brewers and consumers throughout the United States.

And now! Finally! In March of this year, the ultimate sake that brings together the ideas and experience of rice farming in Arkansas arrived in New York!

Origami Thousand Cranes Junmai

Using Arkansas rice, it brings out its best qualities, and is made entirely in the region, including the water and rice, making it a new American "terroir sake."

In addition, one of the most famous sake breweries in Japan has supported their sake brewing, and I can say with confidence that the taste is a truly stunning quality that combines the taste of traditional Japanese pure rice sake with a modern sense that goes well with American food!

Origami White Lotus Junmai Nigori

Origami Sake! Remember this name.

Kuraichi recommends this sake as the best sake that represents American sake and will lead the great future of American sake culture, along with our proud Brooklyn local sakes!

On May 17th, Kuraichi will be hosting a free tasting featuring Origami Sake's classic Junmai and slightly funky Nigori. If you haven't tried Origami Sake yet, this is a great opportunity!