This Week

• Distilling History - Sudo Honke

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Sake Martini

• Trivia Answer

Distilling History - Sudo Honke

In the heart of  the sake-brewing region of Japan lies a hidden gem with a history as rich as the sake it produces. Established by the Sudo family in 1141, Sudo Honke stands as a testament to the enduring craft of sake-making. Let's take a journey through time with one of the very oldest sake distilleries in Japan.

Sudo Honke's legacy began over 880 years ago in the tranquil village of Obara, near Kyoto. Founded during the Heian period, the brewery quickly gained renown for its exceptional sake. As generations passed, the Sudo family nurtured and expanded the brewery, passing down their expertise from father to son and ensuring the continuity of their artisanal tradition.

Throughout its illustrious history, Sudo Honke weathered numerous challenges including wars, natural disasters, and societal upheavals. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1603) and early Edo period, Japan had limited but active trade with China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Naturally, this included sake from Sudo Honke, but this ended abruptly in 1633 when the Tokugawa shogunate closed Japan to all foreign trade, thus ushering in the Sakoku period of strict isolationism.

The brewery used this time to hone its sake brewing techniques, emphasizing the refinement of flavor using local ingredients. The lack of foreign influence allowed Sudo Honke to consolidate its reputation within Japan. The brewery focused on domestic cultural ties, integrating its sake into the customary tea ceremonies and Shinto rituals, thereby securing its role in the socio-economic fabric of the Edo period.

Japan remained closed to trade until Commodore Matthew Perry arrived with his fleet of steam powered “Black Ships”  in 1853. This brought about the Kanagawa convention in 1854, leading to Japan reopening to the outside world.

The Meiji period (1868-1912), which saw the end of feudalism and the rapid modernization of Japan, brought both opportunities and challenges for Sudo Honke. On the one hand, transportation and infrastructure advances brought greater distribution capability. On the other hand, it also brought increased competition. The brewery’s meticulous attention to quality, cultural ties, and long lineage helped it rise above the newer breweries and rapidly expand.

During World War II, the brewery faced unprecedented difficulties as resources became scarce and production was severely constrained. Sudo Honke persevered through it all by sheer determination and resilience, emerging from the war stronger than ever. During this time, the brewery adapted its practices to the challenges of the era. With rice being prioritized for food, the brewery had to innovate with alternative ingredients and methods to maintain production, albeit at a lower capacity. The brewery also contributed to the war effort by producing alcohol for use in sanitizers and medical supplies. The challenges of the war years also reinforced the community bonds as the brewery supported local needs, laying a foundation for enduring local loyalty that continues to benefit the company to this day.

In modern times, Sudo Honke has embraced technological advancements while remaining steadfast in its commitment to traditional methods, earning accolades both domestically and internationally. It proudly holds its place as one of Japan's premier sake breweries, esteemed for its unwavering commitment to excellence. Renowned for its exquisite flavors and unparalleled craftsmanship, Sudo Honke offers a portfolio ranging from delicate junmai ginjo to robust aged sake. It’s robust production capacity ensures that its acclaimed sake reaches discerning consumers worldwide, further solidifying its reputation among aficionados across the globe.

Cocktail Corner
The Sake Martini

The Sake Martini is a refined and elegant cocktail that blends the smooth, subtle flavors of sake with the crispness of vodka and a hint of dry vermouth. Served chilled in a martini glass, this cocktail is often garnished with a lemon twist or olives, providing a sophisticated twist on the classic martini.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Sake

• 1 oz Vodka

• 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth

Let’s make it!

1. Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

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