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Arizona Sake has done it again! On May 22 and 23,Atsuo Sakurai, owner of Arizona Sake Company, which is based and brewed in Holbrook, attended the 2019 Los Angeles International Wine Competition in Calif. There were 2,350 wines from 19 countries showcased, tasted and scored at the 80th annual event held at the Los Angeles County Fair. Arizona Sake received a gold medal and “Best of Class.”
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Among the near 70 judges in attendance was Satoshi Kimijima from Yokohama, Japan. When he’s not handling his duties as the fourth generation CEO of Yokohama Kimijimaya Co., and front man for the band Mystic Waters he attends various competitions. Kimijima is an International Wine Competition Panel Chairman and gives sake lectures across the globe. In addition to receiving 90 of 96 possible points, Arizona Sake was given a spectacular review from Kimijima.
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Sakurai, who is also from Yokohama, explained that Kimijima’s business sits in the middle of what Sakurai called the “Time Square” of Yokohama. Among other things, the accomplished CEO buys and distributes wines from all over the world and has published sake and wine books. When asked what he thought of Sakurai’s product, he had only good things to say. Calling it “traditional” and “refreshing” with “not too much” flavor.
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Sakurai’s 17 years of dedication to his passion turned successful business have been recognized by the CEO and well know businessman who said Arizona Sake is “the best sake” in the USA. Kimijima even reached out a second time during his venture to France to offer food serving suggestions that compliment Sakurai’s sake.
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After hearing Kamijima’s review, Sakurai expressed how “honored” he is to represent not just Holbrook but Arizona through his accomplishment. Sakurai conveyed that although he enjoyed the competition and is “happy” to be the recipient of “Best of Class”, he’s not sure he will return for next year’s competition. Sakurai explained his business goal is “not winning competitions” but to “make people happy” with his sake.
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Sakurai confirmed that Arizona Sake Company’s new location on Navajo Blvd. will open sometime in the next few months. Eager to start production, Sakurai shared that he currently has made no plans for an opening ceremony. He also stated that he does plan on hiring personnel to maintain operations, something he currently oversees himself.
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