Akashi Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu

Akashi-Tai sakes are produced by the Akashi Sake Brewery, a family-run brewery founded by the Yonezawa family in 1856. The brewery is based in the small port city of Akashi, a coastal town in southwest Japan near Kobe and Osaka in the Hyogo prefecture. Hyogo is one of Japan’s most celebrated sake-producing regions, renowned for its pure water sources and ideal climate for cultivating Yamadanishiki rice, often called the “king of sake rice.” These natural advantages have made Hyogo a cornerstone of premium sake brewing for centuries. As the leading premium sake in the UK, Akashi-Tai is dedicated to traditional craftsmanship rather than industrialised production. Every sake is brewed in small batches, allowing the Toji (Sake Master), Kimio Yonezawa, and his team to personally oversee each stage of the process with meticulous care. They maintain artisanal methods, using only the finest local ingredients such as Yamadanishiki rice from Hyogo and pure spring water from Akashi. This sake is crisp, dry, and easy-to-drink with a delicate nose of lime, lemon, and straw. It has hints of citrus and a well-balanced finish. Pair with a wide range of savoury dishes such as mushroom risotto, warm ramen, or grilled meats.