July Newsletter

We had a wonderful Sake Pairing Event at Japanese Restaurant Sakae Sushi, Burlingame, California.

Yokota Sake Brewery reached out to Sake Trend to organize a special sake pairing event, and we were honored to host it with the local community in Burlingame, California. We’re incredibly fortunate—Yokota crafts a truly unique sake called Edo Party, brewed with the oldest known sake yeast, a living piece of brewing history.

Edo Party is a Junmai sake unlike any other. It is crafted using what is believed to be the oldest sake yeast ever identified. While the exact origin century of this unique yeast remains unknown, it was first documented in 1895 when a researcher discovered it was being used in sake brewing—decades before the discovery of Kyokai Yeast No. 1 (the Association’s official yeast). Remarkably, this ancient yeast was found inside the Yokota Sake Brewery itself, where it had quietly survived over generations.

Edo Party is exactly what sake from the Edo period (1603–late 1800s) would have tasted like — bold, lively, and rich in character. It brings history to life in every sip. The yeast strain was preserved in a Tokyo University laboratory, and in recent years, a call was made to sake breweries across Japan to revive it. While several brewers expressed interest, only Yokota Sake Brewery succeeded in brewing with it. The reason? This yeast is not immune to modern brewing environments—it requires the care, craftsmanship, and conditions of a traditional kura. Yokota Brewery, with its deep respect for history and mastery of classical brewing techniques, was uniquely equipped to bring this ancient yeast back to life.

At the event, we featured Edo Party Junmai in a two-course sake pairing. One of the most memorable pairings was serving Edo Party warm, alongside braised pork kakuni. The sake’s natural acidity and gentle sourness complemented the richness of the dish perfectly. As the pork’s tender fat melted on the tongue, Edo Party’s soft acidity gracefully refreshed the palate, creating a balanced, satisfying finish. The warmth of the sake also enhanced its umami and mellowed its profile, making it an ideal match for slow-cooked, savory dishes.

JAMsj 2025 Summer Sake Fundraiser

Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Japanese American Museum of San Jose

535 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA 95112

Supporting local communities is at the heart of our mission. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Japanese American Museum of San Jose’s Summer Sake Fundraiser for the fourth consecutive year.

We’ll be bringing a selection of exceptional sake to help raise funds for this vital cultural institution.

Come join us for an evening of history, community, and the finest sake. Let’s celebrate and give back — together.