Sweet Collaboration: Dandelion Chocolate and Dewazakura Sake
Dandelion Chocolate Japan, headquartered in Taito, Tokyo, has announced the launch of their second collaboration with Dewazakura Sake Brewing, located in Tendo, Yamagata. This time, they unveil a limited-edition ‘Single Origin Nama Chocolate Kijoshu,’ featuring Dewazakura’s special Kijoshu sake, ‘SWeeeeeT MATURED,’ available from January 17, Saturday.
This new creation follows the success of their previous pairing, ‘Sake and Gateau Chocolat Pairing Set,’ which was well-received when it launched in November 2025. The collaboration is rooted in a mutual respect for their ingredients and a shared commitment to craftsmanship, driving the development of this unique chocolate product as a second chapter in their partnership. For more details, visit the product page:
Single Origin Nama Chocolate.
The Journey to Unique Flavor
This collaboration transcends mere product development across industries. Both Dandelion Chocolate and Dewazakura Sake have strong commitments to quality, from selecting ingredients to the finishing touches, relying on human skill and sensibility. This shared craftsmanship is the key driving force behind both their collaborations.
Dewazakura Sake's meticulous fermentation management is paralleled by Dandelion’s approach to cacao, where minute adjustments affect flavor significantly during fermentation, drying, and roasting. The values and techniques of both artisans met in a mutual respect of ingredient integrity, deepening their understanding for this second development.
Experimenting with Kijoshu and Single-Origin Chocolate
During the product development process, numerous types of sake were tested, including Dewazakura's Kijoshu ‘SWeeeeeT MATURED,’ alongside different cacao types from Dandelion Chocolate, each with distinct flavors and acidity. Careful scrutiny was given to how the rich sweetness and long maturation profile of the Kijoshu could be harmoniously blended with cacao's flavors, bitterness, and acidity. The development team succeeded in finding the combination that best highlighted both components’ unique characteristics, leading to the creation of an unparalleled deep-flavored nama chocolate.
You can find more details about the team’s visit to Dewazakura Sake Brewing on their
blog.
Flavor Characteristics
The Kijoshu ‘SWeeeeeT MATURED’ offers a smooth sweetness derived from partially substituting brewing water with sake, merging gracefully with the lemony and yogurt-like acidity of Indian cacao. The smooth melting texture of the chocolate and the umami from Kijoshu come together, creating a beautifully balanced profile where sweetness, acidity, and aroma harmonize, culminating in a rich aftertaste with each bite.
Product Overview
- - Product Name: Single Origin Nama Chocolate Kijoshu
- - Price: ¥2,800 (including tax)
- - Available At: Online Store, Factory & Cafe Kuramae, Shop & Cafe Ise Gegu, The Market Kichijoji
- - Release Date: January 17 (Pre-orders available from December 26)
Note: Contains alcohol, so please be cautious if you are driving, underage, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Comments on the Collaboration
Jun Yuuki, Dewazakura Sake Brewing