WeSake: Easy Drinking Canned Sake

White Claw Hard Seltzer is hugely popular and other canned hard seltzers sell very well too. Canned RTD (ready-to-drink) Cocktails are also a big hit. And with the summer coming in a couple months, these canned drinks will be even more popular. They are easy to transport, to carry on a mountain hike or bring to the beach, and there's no worries of broken glass. 

So why not consider Canned Sake as an alternative option?  

I received media samples of WeSake, a premium Canned Sake, and it offers much that those other canned drinks do not. 

WeSake was established by beverage executive Pablo Rivera, who previously worked at ZX Ventures/AB InBev. “Fun and lively nights out with sake are not so easy to come by in the American market, and I kept wondering why something so delicious and drinkable wasn’t more widely available,” said Rivera. “We believe this fresh, exciting and versatile drink deserves to be part of any social occasion. WESAKE was born out of a love for a truly impressive beverage that I hope inspires more to explore the category and the unique space that sake fills.” 

Rivera entered into a partnership with a 280-year-old Japanese brewery in Kobe, although their website and press materials doesn't indicate the identity of this brewery. However, it seems probable that the brewery is Hakutsuru, which was founded in 1743 and is located in Kobe. The rice, the type which also isn't identified, is sourced from local farmers in Tagocho, Japan.

WeSake is a Junmai Ginjo, a premium Sake, which is made from only four ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji. As a Ginjo, at least 40% of the rice is polished away. This is a quality Sake, and it's also non-GMO, gluten free and vegan friendly. With only a 13% ABV, it might have been diluted more than usual, as most Sake is around 15% or ABV. Their website states: "It is brewed Junmai Ginjo style because it’s elegant enough for seasoned sake drinkers, but also bright, fun and easy for all those who are starting to drink it."

Best served chilled, this Sake is dry, crisp and easy-drinking, with pleasant tastes of melon, peach and steamed rice. It goes down smoothly, is refreshing, and very food friendly. This would be excellent on a sunny summer day, or paired with something from the grill or fried seafood. Its lighter than hard seltzers, especially as it's not carbonated, and it probably pairs better with food as well. 

WeSake is spreading across the country, and generally is available for about $18.99 for a four pack. Why not bring some canned Sake to your next summer gathering, and introduce your family and friends to this intriguing and delicious beverage. Anyone can bring some White Claw, but very few will bring some Sake.