FOREST GROVE, Ore., Feb. 26, 2026 — SakéOne, the pioneer in American craft saké brewing, has released a new premium saké, Shogun by Momokawa. This bold junmai ginjo genshu is the result of unique craftsmanship, blending centuries of Japanese brewing heritage with the innovative spirit of America’s Pacific Northwest.
A Shogun Warrior of Rice
At the heart of Shogun lies Gohyakumangoku (go-he-YAK-oo-mahn-go-ku), a legendary sakamai (saké rice) cultivar originally from Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, and one that SakéOne refers to as a Shogun warrior of rice. This rice variety is renowned for producing saké with a clean, focused and crisp profile.
For this special release, SakéOne sourced Gohyakumangoku rice from Isbell Farms in Arkansas. This synergy of Japanese tradition and American innovation allows Shogun to offer a flavor profile that is truly unique in the world of saké.
A Masterpiece of Craft
Crafting Shogun presented a new challenge for SakéOne’s brewing team. Takumi Kuwabara, SakéOne’s Toji (brewmaster), tapped into the collective knowledge amassed over 1,000 previous brewing batches to unlock the potential of this rice variety and create a one-of-a-kind saké.
“Small-batch brewing with a new rice variety brings exciting unknowns—from how the grain absorbs water to how it breaks down during fermentation,” says Kuwabara. “With Shogun, we combined our team’s deep technical expertise with the proven characteristics of Gohyakumangoku rice, paired with the high quality of the rice grown in Arkansas, to craft a truly refined American Gohyakumangoku saké that flows with our constant pursuit of perfection.”
Tasting Notes and Availability
As a Junmai Ginjo Genshu, Shogun delivers a powerful yet refined experience. Fans of premium saké can expect:
- Profile: Crisp and clean, Shogun reveals bold notes along with subtle sweetness and savory umami, balanced by a delicate Ginjo-ka (fruity aroma).
- Aroma: Shogun features subtle floral and melon notes characteristic of the Niigata style.
- Finish: With its smooth, yet slightly lingering finish and hint of sweetness, Shogun is the ultimate versatile companion for any meal.
“Our goal is to brew the best saké outside of Japan. Shogun represents SakéOne’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of American-craft saké,” said Paul Englert, president of SakéOne. “This exceptional saké is a testament to the incredible skill, innovative spirit, and tireless dedication of Toji Takumi Kuwabara and our entire brewing staff.”
Shogun launched this month as a limited-edition release under SakéOne’s Momokawa label. It is available exclusively to SakéOne Club members and to visitors to the tasting room in Forest Grove, Oregon. The company plans to increase production over time to allow Shogun to be more broadly available.
About SakéOne
SakéOne is America’s pioneering craft saké brewery, blending time-honored Japanese brewing traditions with innovative techniques to provide premium saké to the U.S. market. Founded in 1992 as an importer of exceptional Japanese saké, SakéOne began brewing in 1997, becoming the nation’s first successful craft saké brewery. Using pure Oregon water and premium rice grown in California’s Sacramento Valley, SakéOne is committed to uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. SakéOne produces a growing portfolio of locally brewed saké under its Momokawa, Moonstone, g, Yomi, and Naginata brands, while continuing to import a curated selection of saké from some of Japan’s most celebrated brewing prefectures. SakéOne’s corporate offices, kura (brewery) and tasting room are located in Forest Grove, Oregon. Visit sakeone.com for more information or to order, or use the store locator at sakeone.com/locator. Follow SakéOne on Instagram and Facebook.
