Harvested From The Hudson Valley, Brewed in Brooklyn
NY Jizake will be available at Kato Sake Works, beginning October 1st, 2025—World Sake Day.
September 30, 2025 (Brooklyn, NY) — Kato Sake Works, a Brooklyn based sake brewery, announces NY Jizake, the first sake brewed with rice grown in New York’s Hudson Valley. Translating directly to “local sake,” Jizake (地酒) refers to the Japanese tradition of crafting sake that reflects the character of its community. Unique to the climate, agriculture, and people of the land, Jizake carries the pride of its region. With NY Jizake, Kato Sake Works is expanding what’s possible for local sake in both sourcing and flavor.
Brewed in the Junmai style with water from the Catskills and Akitakomachi rice from Great Joy Family Farms in Pine Hills, NY Jizake brings together the state’s renowned spring water with the innovation of Hudson Valley farmers. Founder Shinobu Kato explains, “We felt such joy knowing we could finally bring New York’s harvest into our sake. This is our love letter to the place we live, work, and brew.” He adds, “When you open a bottle, we hope you’ll taste, smell, and maybe even hear New York.”
Finely filtered to a brilliant clarity, NY Jizake presents a dry, earthy profile balanced by delicate notes of lychee and honeydew. The palate is clean and crisp with a smooth, supple mouthfeel, finishing with a refreshing bite—reminiscent of New York itself.
Product Details:
- Junmai style sake at 16% ABV
- 95% Akitakomachi rice from Great Joy Family Farms in Pine Hills, NY
- Soft water from the Catskills, NY
- Vegan friendly and gluten free
For more product details and availability, please contact the Kato Sake Works team.
About Kato Sake Works
Founded by Shinobu Kato, Kato Sake Works has built a reputation in Brooklyn for their dedication to traditional Japanese brewing, producing authentic sake with a deep focus on their community—made by and for the people they serve. Since opening in 2020, the brewery has fostered a vibrant community through tastings, classes, and events, establishing itself as a cultural hub. After expanding into Tokyo this year, Kato Sake Works continues to push the boundaries of American sake culture, recently launching Kappu—the first RTD one-cup sake to come out of Brooklyn. With the release of Jizake, Kato Sake Works is proud to lead New York’s sake revolution.
