Our Inspiration

artisan-japanese-sake

From the beautiful clear waters of Hokkaido to the delicately refined sake rice, we are inspired by the Japanese Artisan craft sake brewers who stand by their traditional brewing methods to produce the perfect sake.

HIGH SAKE Mission

To enhance the understanding and appreciation of Artisan sake makers through discerning clients.

HIGH SAKE Values

"Saizenn wo tsukushimasu" : We will always do our best for our clients in a fair and honest manner.

Key Kyoto staff

Key staff are our, and your, greatest asset. In their knowledge and experience we trust.

japanese-sake-team-hiroshi

Hiroshi

OLD BRAIN/AMBASSADOR

Hiroshi is a well-known and respected  restaurateur with over 40 years experience in the culinary capital of Kyoto (and Japan!): Gion.

His knowledge and experience in the food and drinks sector is vast, his passion for authentic Japanese tastes and long history in dealing with traditional Japanese suppliers is a major asset to the team.

Hiroshi’s reputation is essential in opening the doors not available to most and in navigating negotiations with our sake brewery partners.

He is a member of the organic society, a devout non-user of the microwave and believes in all things fresh and goodness.

SKILLS

Wiseness 90%
Business Knowledge 80%
Innovation 70%
kyoto-japanese-sake-team-kazuha

Kazuha

CHIEF TASTER

Kazuha has a heart for all that is food and drink!

She is a Certified sake quality appraiser and a Certified Sake Brewer. In addition Kazuha is a qualified pastry chef from the Le Cordon bleu school.

Her knowledge and experience ensures we choose the finest quality sake for our clients.

She  is our Chief Taster and sake advisor for the team.

SKILLS

Sake knowledge 90%
Business Experience 80%
Negotiation 70%
kyoto-japanese-sake-team-darren

Darren

CO-FOUNDER / PROBLEM SOLVER

Darren is a Japanophile (which is not a rude thing) a long time resident and lover of Japan and its deep culture and society quirks.

He seems to have a penchant for the alcohol business as his first business was a UK alcohol delivery service.

His businesses and articles have been published in national and international newspapers and websites including:
The BBC, The Guardian, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Heat, Front magazine, AsiaOne, CNN money, Digima, New Strait Times, The Star (Malaysia).

SKILLS

Problem Solving 90%
Marketing 80%
Strategy 70%