Chicago Sake

Specialties

Chicago Sake is the city’s leading resource for learning about Japanese sake.

Operating as a wholly-​owned subsidiary of Emissary Chicago LLC, Chicago Sake offers a range of sake classes, events, and parties, as well as consulting services for importers, distributors, liquor stores, restaurants and bars.

Chicago Sake’s mission is to introduce (or in some cases reintroduce) Chicagoans to the depth and diversity of one of the world’s most refined alcoholic beverages.

History

Established in 2010.

Chicago Sake’s mission is to introduce (or in some cases reintroduce) Chicagoans and Mid-​Westerners to the depth and diversity of one of the world’s most refined and crafted alcoholic beverages. Chicago Sake is the region’s leading resource for learning about Japanese sake.

Operating as a wholly-​owned subsidiary of Emissary Chicago LLC, Chicago Sake offers a range of sake classes, catered events, parties, and consulting services for producers, importers, distributors, hotels, retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Chicago Sake’s expertise was recognized and acknowledged by Japan Trade Organization (JETRO) when they hired us to provide market insight and information on the 2011 US sake market.

The foundation of our curriculum and consulting capabilities is an industry-​leading repository of sake knowledge, industry networks, and knowledge of the US market topography, its players and trends.

Meet the Manager

Ryan Hart R.

Manager

You never want to come off as a sake snob like one of those people that sends a bottle of wine back or scoffs at a hint of cork. But when you know what you’re looking for in «premium» sake, it’s easy to spot the flaws. Whether it’s a daiginjo served hot or a two year old bottle of junmai, there’s a lot of misrepresentation in the market. We realized there was a huge need to disseminate accurate information about how to enjoy the very best sake. And finding the best sake has become a passion of mine that’s taken me to breweries across Japan and emboldened me to get sake certified. Having just returned to the US after nearly 10 years living and working in Japan, I see the chance to grow sake awareness through fun, interactive engagement that marries the learning and exploration of the category through social settings.