Hi everyone,
This is Kotoko Yamada, the 2023 Miss SAKE Japan.

In early November, as the streets glowed with the golden hues of autumn ginkgo trees, I had the honor of visiting the historic Taj Mahal Palace and Taj Lands End in Mumbai to attend the Born Tasting Dinner. Accompanied by Mika Onishi, the Executive Director of our association, I participated in this special event celebrating the exquisite Japanese sake, Born.

This blog focuses on the second event, held at the elegant Taj Lands End. Let me share the details of this remarkable evening with you.

I wrote a blog about the 1st event here:

＜About Kato Kichibei Shoten and “Born”＞

Kato Kihei Shoten, located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, is a historic sake brewery founded in 1860. It has maintained a commitment to producing additive-free, pure rice sake for generations. The brewery, which began as a money exchanger and landlord during the Edo period, is now in its 320th year. Under the leadership of President Kato, it is currently in its 11th generation.

Their flagship sake, “Born,” is crafted using only the finest sake rice: Hyogo Prefecture Special A District Yamada Nishiki and Fukui Prefecture Gohyakumangoku. These premium ingredients are combined with pure underground water sourced from 184 meters below the Hakusan Mountain Range, resulting in an exceptionally clean and refined taste that has earned accolades both in Japan and internationally.

The brewery also takes great pride in its rice polishing techniques, achieving an impressive average polishing ratio of 34.5% across its sake lineup. Their top-tier product, Born Chogin, boasts a polishing ratio of just 20%, showcasing their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Their unique brewing method includes ice-temperature maturation, allowing the sake to develop a rich aroma and smooth texture. This meticulous process has captivated sake lovers worldwide. At international competitions, “Born” has received numerous awards, with Born Gold gaining particular popularity in India.

During the “Born Tasting Dinner,” these exceptional sakes introduced the flavors and traditions of Fukui Prefecture to an audience of distinguished guests in Mumbai.

＜About Taj Lands End＞

Taj Lands End, the venue for the second “Born Tasting Dinner,” is a prestigious hotel located in Mumbai’s Bandra district. Known for its tranquil atmosphere away from the city’s hustle, it offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

The hotel’s elegant interiors and spacious, well-equipped suites create an ambiance of refined luxury. The dinner was hosted in the outdoor bar and garden area, beautifully adorned with cherry blossom decorations, adding a touch of Japan to the serene setting.

＜Born Tasting Dinner at Taj Lands End＞

This event, made possible through the efforts of former Consul General Harada, was a grand gathering in Taj Lands End’s picturesque garden. Guests, including renowned Bollywood directors, actors, and government dignitaries of Maharashtra, enjoyed the standing buffet-style party. A red carpet and photo booth greeted attendees, adding a glamorous touch to the evening.

The featured sake lineup included:

• Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo
• Born Gold
• Born Dreams Come True
• Born Chogin
• Born Wing of Japan

At the Taj Lands End party, a variety of dishes incorporating Japanese and Indian elements were served, sparking lively discussions about the best food and sake pairings. The menu was curated collaboratively by the hotel’s renowned chefs, organizer Mr. Harada, the Katou family, and us at Miss SAKE.

My personal favorite pairing was Dal Makhani, a creamy North Indian lentil curry, with Born Gold. The rich, buttery flavors of the curry harmonized beautifully with the sake’s sweetness, creating a perfect blend that I highly recommend everyone try!

Midway through the event, Mr. Harada delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, followed by an introduction of Katoukichibee Shouten and their incredible sake. Mr. Katou also spoke about the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake, inspiring a moment of reflection and unity among the guests.

To close, attendees shared their impressions of “Born” sake. Many spoke of its role in bridging cultures between India and Japan, which filled me with immense pride and emotion as a representative of Japanese culture.

＜Born Chogin and NFC Technology＞

One of the highlights of the evening was Born Chogin, an ultimate junmai daiginjo sake crafted with a 20% polishing ratio and blended with sake matured at -10°C for approximately five years.

Renowned as a sake presented to the Japanese Imperial Household, Born Chogin amazed the guests with its cutting-edge technology. Each bottle is equipped with an NFC label, integrating blockchain and NFC/RFID technology. By simply tapping a smartphone on the bottle, users can trace its production history and journey, ensuring authenticity and secure transportation for every bottle.

The NFC label also allows the verification of whether a bottle has been opened or not. This ensures that the sake remains unopened until it reaches the consumer.

At the event, President Kato demonstrated this technology by bringing bottles to each table, allowing guests to scan the NFC label with their smartphones to check the information. I explained the innovative NFC system as an interpreter, and everyone was impressed by the ease of use and the advanced technology that allows tracking before and after opening the bottle.

Thanks to President Kato’s commitment to both the technology and consumers, Born Chogin will continue to be loved by more people, becoming a true representative of Japanese sake worldwide.

The second Born Tasting Dinner was attended by many prominent Bollywood film directors and actors. Surrounded by Mumbai’s night sky and a gentle sea breeze, the guests shared a special moment with Born sake, experiencing the perfect blend of luxury and nature.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Harada, Mr and Mrs Kato, the team at Taj Lands End, all the guests who warmly welcomed me, and everyone who contributed to making this event a success. I will continue to work hard to share the beauty of Japanese sake with the world.

 

2023 Miss SAKE Japan

Kotoko Yamada