North American Craft Sake Brewing Expedition: Exploring the Process of Traditional Japanese Sake Production in the New World
The Sake Brewers Association of North America (SBANA) and the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC are introducing a series of virtual webinars promoting the sake industry. This exciting event will consist of three online sessions and will end in March, in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The first webinar, titled "The Bond Between the Brew: The North America + Japan Sake Dialogue", will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (PST). This discussion will feature an all-star lineup of sake industry innovators from Japan and the United States in a discussion moderated by Justin Potts of Sake On Air. Participants include Katsuhiko Miyasaka from Miyasaka/Masumi in Nagano, Japan, Hiroyuki Karahashi from Aizu Homare in Fukushima, Japan, Euka Isawa from MiCURA/Katsuyama in Miyagi, Japan, Brian Polen from Brooklyn Kura in Brooklyn, NY, Troy Nakamatsu from Sawtelle Sake in Los Angeles, CA, and Byron Stithem from Proper Sake Co. in Nashville, TN. The webinar will also include introductory remarks by Kosuke Kuji, master brewer and president of Nanbu Bijin.
Following the first webinar, SBANA Board Member Bernie Baskin will lead a discussion on the regulatory landscape facing the sake industry. The video will be followed by a panel discussion with three SBANA member brewers: Andrew Centofante of North American Sake Brewery, Euka Isawa of MiCURA, and Patrick Shearer of Ben’s American Sake.
The second webinar, titled "The Rules of the Brew: Sake Regulations & the Future of the Sake Industry", will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (PST). This webinar will delve into the regulations surrounding the sake industry and discuss its future direction.
The series will culminate on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, with the third webinar, titled "The Beauty of the Brew: A Video Journey & Conversation Celebrating Sake & Sake Making". This event will feature the world premier of SBANA's animated video illustrating sake’s unique tradition, craft, and range of enjoyment for sake newcomers. The discussion will be followed by a discussion on the future direction of the sake market in North America with industry insiders Sachiko Miyagi of Tippsy and Jamie Graves of Skurnik Wines and Spirits. The webinar will be simultaneously translated in English and Japanese and will include a Q&A session with the audience.
For those unable to attend the live sessions, all webinars will be recorded for archival purposes. For detailed information about this specific sake dialogue webinar, including the agenda and participating speakers, we recommend checking the official websites or press releases of the SBANA or the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC directly.
- The first webinar, "The Bond Between the Brew: The North America + Japan Sake Dialogue", is a discussion featuring sake industry innovators from both Japan and the United States, showcasing a blend of tradition, design, and art in the sake industry.
- The second webinar, "The Rules of the Brew: Sake Regulations & the Future of the Sake Industry", delves into the regulations governing the sake industry and explores its potential future direction, offering insights into education and self-development within the field.
- The series concludes with the third webinar, "The Beauty of the Brew: A Video Journey & Conversation Celebrating Sake & Sake Making", which premieres SBANA’s animated video and celebrates the unique tradition, craft, and global cuisines associated with sake.
- Online education plays a significant role in these webinars, as industry insiders engage in dialogue about the future direction of the sake market in North America, making these sessions invaluable resources for learning and self-improvement in the food-and-drink sector.
- For sake enthusiasts who may miss the live sessions, all webinars will be recorded for future viewing, allowing for ongoing learning and appreciation of the sake industry across the globe.
