Hello everyone,

This is Kotoko Yamada, 2023 Miss SAKE Japan.

In early November, when the ginkgo trees along the streets had turned a beautiful golden color, I had the privilege of attending the “BORN Tasting Dinner” at the historic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, India, accompanied by our organization’s Executive Director, Mika Onishi.

The “BORN Tasting Dinner” was held in Mumbai at both the Taj Mahal Palace and Taj Lands End, where Fukui-based Katō Kippei Shoten introduced their sake, “BORN,” to the Indian audience.

In this blog, I will report on the first event held at the Taj Mahal Palace.

I wrote about the 2nd event here so please take a look as well!

＜About Katoukichibee Shouten 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 the Taj Mahal Palace＞

The Taj Mahal Palace, opened in 1903 in Mumbai, is a historic and iconic hotel representing India’s rich history and architecture. Established by the Tata family, India’s largest conglomerate, it became the foundation for the prestigious Taj Hotels group. Its design blends Islamic, Renaissance, Gothic, and Victorian styles and offers stunning views of Mumbai Harbour. The hotel, originally Mumbai’s first air-conditioned property, has since continued to introduce innovative services, hosting world leaders and celebrities over the years.

A notable aspect of the Taj Mahal Palace is its historical significance. During World War II, it was used as a hospital, and during India’s independence movement, it served as a gathering place for many prominent activists. The hotel’s interiors are captivating, with detailed art collections and elegant designs that attract many visitors.

Additionally, the hotel boasts renowned restaurants offering both Indian and international cuisines. I was truly honored to visit one of these exclusive restaurants, which is accessible only to a select few in India.

I was fortunate to stay at the Taj Mahal Palace, and from my room, I was captivated by the stunning coastline of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Gateway of India. I was truly moved by the richness of India’s culture and history.

The Taj Mahal Palace is a symbol of history, culture, architecture, and hospitality. It was the perfect venue for the “BORN Tasting Dinner” and a dream come true for me to introduce BORN sake, especially since I had admired this venue since my visit during the 2024 Miss SAKE India competition.

＜BORN Tasting Dinner at Taj Mahal Palace Ballroom＞

The “BORN Tasting Dinner” event, made possible through the efforts of former Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Mr. Harada, was held in the Ballroom of the Taj Mahal Palace.

The event was attended by prominent figures from various sectors, including business, culture, and the arts, who enjoyed a pairing course featuring five different varieties of “BORN” sake.

As around 30% of India’s population is vegetarian, the menu for the evening offered both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to accommodate the dietary preferences of the guests.

The meal was beautifully crafted, with the chef blending Japanese ingredients with Indian and French culinary elements, making sure each dish was perfectly matched with the sake.

The five BORN sakes featured were:

• BORN Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo
• BORN Gold
• BORN Dreams Come True
• BORN Chōgin
• BORN Wing of Japan

One of the most popular pairings was the BORN “BORN Dreams Come True” with bass topped with curry espuma. The sake’s smooth flavor and crisp finish paired wonderfully with the dish, earning praise from all the guests.

As the pairings progressed, the excitement in the venue grew, and many guests asked thoughtful questions about sake. While I explained the rice polishing ratio and ice temperature aging, everyone listened attentively, and I received many inquiries. On the table, we had gift cups of BORN sake, and I had the opportunity to show guests how to enjoy sake in the traditional Japanese way using an ochoko. It was such a rewarding experience to share sake with such wonderful guests who were genuinely interested in learning more of our 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 “BORN Tasting Dinner” was a night that captivated many distinguished guests in Mumbai, India.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Kato, Mr. Harada, everyone at Taj Mahal Palace, and all the guests who warmly welcomed me.

Six months ago, I dreamed of hosting an event in this beautiful ballroom, and to have the honor of introducing BORN sake with the Kato family, who always support Miss SAKE, was a truly magical moment. I will continue to share the charm of Japanese sake with this spirit.

 

2023 Miss SAKE Japan

Kotoko Yamada