Den Sake Brewery

Founded in 2017 by Yoshihiro Sako, Den Sake Brewery is the first sake brewery established in Oakland, California. Sako, a former sake sommelier, blends deep knowledge of traditional Japanese brewing with a California sensibility—adapting centuries-old techniques to suit the local climate and ingredients.

Den Sake is made in small batches using only Cal-Hikari rice, a varietal sourced exclusively from Rue & Forsman Ranch in the Sacramento Valley. This single-origin, premium rice forms the foundation of Den’s junmai (pure rice) sake, which is brewed without additives or fortification. The result is a clean, expressive sake that honors both tradition and place.

Every aspect of the brewing process is guided by craftsmanship and intention—from precise temperature control to proprietary fermentation methods developed by Sako himself. The sake is unfiltered and undiluted, offering a rich, umami-forward profile that complements a wide range of food, particularly local Californian and Asian dishes.

With Den Sake, Sako brings a thoughtful, terroir-driven approach to American sake, bridging cultures and elevating the craft for a new generation of sake drinkers.