WAKAZE and LINNÉ Collaborate to Release Limited Edition Anniversary Sake

A Celebration of Craftsmanship: Limited Edition Sake Release

In an exciting collaboration marking significant milestones, WAKAZE, a pioneer in craft sake, and LINNÉ, a fermentation collective based in Kyoto, are launching a special limited edition sake called WAKAZE×LINNÉ Anniversary Sake. This unique brew is set to be available to the public starting April 16, 2026.

A Look Back at the Heritage of Craft Sake

The inspiration for this exclusive sake comes from the FONIA series, which WAKAZE originally crafted back in 2017. This anniversary beverage revitalizes an ancestral recipe that embodies the essence of craft sake. Shoya Imai, a co-founder at WAKAZE and master brewer, has poured his passion into this limited edition, showcasing a union of WAKAZE's daring spirit and LINNÉ's innovative approach.

This new concoction will be available to a wide audience including retail stores, restaurants, and enthusiasts through the official online shop. Notably, limited quantities of fresh sake will also be available, catering to those looking for something unique.

Craft Sake: Redefining Tradition

The craft sake defined by the Craft Sake Brewery Association introduces a new genre, blending traditional sake-making techniques with experimental methods that utilize rice as its primary ingredient. This evolution presents a fascinating twist on conventional sake, appealing directly to modern palates.

Product Details

- Product Name: WAKAZE×LINNÉ Anniversary Sake
- Type: Miscellaneous Sake
- Ingredients: Hyogo rice, various brewing alcohols, rice koji, jasmine tea, red rose, orange peel, hibiscus, coriander seeds
- Volume: 500ml
- Alcohol Content: 13%
- Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (incl. tax)
- Manufacturing Site: Choryu Brewery (Osaka)
- Sales by: Linné, Kyoto

Tasting Notes

Indulging in this sake offers a bouquet of floral aromas reminiscent of a vibrant bouquet of flowers. On the palate, it reveals a delicate sweetness stemming from the rich premium alcohol, harmonized with fresh acidity, gentle bitterness from herbs, and complex spicy notes. Each sip unfolds a captivating array of tastes, culminating in a refreshing finish that beckons for the next sip. This sake is a tribute to both sweet and bitter experiences in life, inviting drinkers to savor every moment.

Recommended Pairings: This drink beautifully complements prosciutto and fig salad, blue cheese canapés drizzled with honey, sautéed scallops, or strawberry panna cotta.

The Journey of Crafting: A Refreshing Recipe

The story of this anniversary sake traces back to 2017 in Yamagata, where WAKAZE introduced the FONIA series, the world's first craft sake utilizing an array of botanicals. This innovation paved the way for a new understanding of sake, expanding its boundaries and creating a vibrant craft culture. As this product evolved into the FONIA tea -ORIENTAL- prototype, it incorporated jasmine tea and various other flavors, establishing a precedent for future creations.

Over the years, interactions between WAKAZE's and LINNÉ's visions have crafted a journey that culminates in this unique offering. This anniversary sake encapsulates the shared challenges and innovations that have defined their respective craft.

Messages from the Founders

Takuma Inagawa, CEO of WAKAZE, expressed his joy in reviving this recipe on the occasion of their tenth anniversary. He reflects on the deep connection this beverage holds for him personally, stemming from a memorable cocktail experience in Shibuya.

Shoya Imai, the head of LINNÉ and a pivotal figure in crafting this sake, shared his gratitude for the support that both brands have received through the years, emphasizing a shared journey from Yamagata to international realms. Together, they aspire to create a “freer than anywhere else” brewing culture, carving a path in the changing landscape of sake.

About WAKAZE and LINNÉ

Founded in 2016 in Yamagata, WAKAZE has built a reputation for transforming sake into an internationally embraced beverage. With their SummerFall Tap Cocktails bar in Shibuya, they offer a novel drinking experience centered around Japanese ingredients. Linne, established in 2024, is dedicated to fermenting and bridging cultural flavors with craft sake.

Discover more about their rich offerings and innovative approaches through their respective official websites and find out where to purchase the anniversary sake.