Sawtelle Sake

Sawtelle Sake is a testament to the fusion of Japanese inspiration and Californian craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of historic Sawtelle Japantown in West LA, this brand embarked on a mission to infuse fresh energy into sake culture within their community. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to honoring traditions while embracing innovation.

At the core of Sawtelle Sake's offerings lies California-grown rice. Through various fermentation processes, they pay homage to sake culture and koji in all its rich diversity. Everything at Sawtelle Sake is a labor of love, with a small, dedicated team that meticulously crafts each product by hand. They meticulously source their ingredients from the best farms both in California and Japan, ensuring a fusion of quality and authenticity.

Koji, the magical ingredient behind their creations, takes center stage. It's a living culture that transforms rice starch into rice sugar, an indispensable element in the sake-making process. But Sawtelle Sake's commitment goes beyond crafting exceptional beverages. They are deeply intertwined with their local ecology, sourcing all their rice from the California Ricelands Waterbirds Foundation (CRWF). This organization champions sustainable conservation practices across vast agricultural lands, ensuring the ecological health vital for migratory shorebirds in the Sacramento Valley. A percentage of Sawtelle Sake's proceeds find their way back to CRWF, underscoring their dedication to a holistic, responsible approach to their craft.