The Japanese Pavilion at ProWine Mumbai 2024 set a new benchmark as the largest-ever showcase of Japanese drinks in India. Featuring an impressive array of renowned sake brands alongside Shochu, Awamori, liqueurs, and more, the pavilion offered a deep dive into Japan’s rich beverage culture. Guests were treated to innovative cocktails crafted at a dedicated counter, while engaging sessions led by sake sommeliers and Japanese experts provided fascinating insights into the heritage and artistry behind these traditional drinks.
A diverse range to sample
Visitors to ProWine Mumbai 2024 enjoyed an extensive selection of sake, featuring popular grades like Junmai and Ginjo alongside unique styles such as vintage Koshu, unfiltered Muroka, and sparkling Awasake crafted using the traditional Champagne method. Tastings were enriched by discussions on how rice quality and brewing techniques influence flavor profiles. Each variation provided attendees with an immersive experience, guided by sake experts, many of whom were brewery owners or key representatives, offering a personal touch to the exploration of Japan’s iconic beverage.
Not Only Sake, Other Beverages too
While sake continues to gain popularity in India, other Japanese alcoholic beverages are not far behind. This was evident at the Japanese Pavilion , where visitors eagerly lined up to sample unique offerings such as Umeshu (plum liqueur), Yuzu shu,, Awamori, Shochu, sake-based gin, and more. Personally, I found the gins and Awamori particularly exceptional. Although these beverages may still be considered niche in the Indian market, events like this provide an excellent platform to introduce them, gauge consumer interest, and pave the way for their growth in the region.
Sake and Sushi tango at Rad Elan Pavilion
Rad Elan, a leading sake importer in India known for brands like Hakushika and Hakutsuru, hosted a dedicated pavilion at ProWine Mumbai 2024. The setup featured seated sake tastings paired with a live sushi counter, creating the perfect ambiance for an immersive experience. It was an ideal spot to enjoy a tasting with my friend Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier. Adding to the pavilion’s appeal, Mr. Kazuo Sonoda, General Manager of Hakushika Sake, personally managed the sake counter, ensuring it remained a bustling hub of activity throughout. Interestingly, Hakushika Sake also had a presence at the main Japanese Pavilion, as highlighted in a photo above.
A Great opportunity to meet prominent figures
Events like ProWine offer invaluable opportunities to connect with global business leaders, and the extensive Japanese presence this year attracted some of the biggest names in the beverage industry. Among them, I had the privilege of meeting the team from Gekkeikan Sake, including Mr. Toshiki Yokobayashi, General Manager, and Mr. Yuichiro Mase, Export Area Manager. Established in 1637 in Kyoto’s renowned Fushimi district, Gekkeikan is the second-largest sake producer in the world.
A personal highlight was receiving a prized limited-edition Junmai Daiginjo as an exclusive gift from Gekkeikan, a gesture that made the experience even more memorable
