N’end Sake Launch – 2025
N’end sake launched in London at the RAC Club, London, in July 2025. the event was held in collaboration with the British Sake Association and Takara Shuzo UK. Iconic Sake Samurai, Kenishi Ohashi MW was also present at the launch.
Shochikubai Shirakabegura N’end (然土 ) is a premium Japanese sake produced by Takara Shuzo, designed specifically for international markets with a focus on pairing with Western cuisine. It is part of the prestigious Shirakabegura (White Wall Brewery) line, known for using traditional, labor-intensive brewing techniques, and it is curated by Master of Wine Kenichi Ohashi.
The Shirakabegura brewery is located in Nada, Hyogo, a region famous for its high-quality sake production. It is known for producing high-end, award-winning sakes, including Junmai Daiginjo and Kimoto styles, using traditional methods like the Kimoto method. The Kimoto method is a labour intensive process that relies on natural, airborne lactic acid bacteria rather than added lactic acid to create a yeast starter (shubo). This results in a complex high-umami and robust sake with a distinct, deep, and sometimes earthy flavour profile.
The concept behind the name “N’end” combines “Nature” 然 (Shika) and “Land/Soil” 土 (Tshuchi) aiming to create a sake that reflects the terroir and high-quality ingredients. its is designed to pair well with a variety of dishes, including Western cuisine, due to its complex and savory profile. Tasting notes indicate notes of white peach, melon, yoghurt, and citrus. N’end sake is pitched as a premium international brand, with six-bottle sets often appearing in high-end wine auctions.
The launch was held in the Committee Room of the RAC Club. The venue, sake and atmosphere were all excellent. It was enlightening to discover how well N’end sake paired with the western food-style luncheon.
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