Premium drinks distributor Speciality Brands has added its first-ever sake brand, Kanpai, to its portfolio.
Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife duo Tom and Lucy Wilson, Kanpai London Craft Sake Brewery itself holds the distinction of being the UK’s first-ever sake brewery.
Inspired by their experiences in Japan, the Wilson’s began home-brewing sake before formalising their skills at the Gekkeikan brewery school in Japan.
Their commitment led to the creation of a microbrewery in Peckham, London, where they produced award-winning, artisanal and modern sakes using traditional Japanese brewing techniques.
In 2023, the brewery relocated to Bermondsey to increase production and introduce an enhanced visitors’ experience.
Kanpai, which means ‘cheers’ in Japanese, uses ‘low interventionist’ brewing methods, allowing the natural characteristics of each ingredient to stand out.
The Speciality Brands team will now aim to increase Kanpai’s footprint in the UK. Mikey Pendergast, Speciality Brands ambassador and Japanese drinks expert, will lead trainings, tastings, and visits at the brewery.
Tom Wilson said: “Partnering with Specialty Brands is a perfect match, as we enter our tenth-year crafting premium sakes in the capital. Now, with Speciality Brand’s distribution network and experienced team, we are excited to get our award-winning sakes into more hands across the country.
“The UK’s sake scene has been evolving rapidly, and we’re determined to continue with our endeavour to make this centuries old Japanese drink accessible everywhere.
“Working with Speciality Brands means more people can experience domestically produced sake without compromising on quality or authenticity. Their team understands our vision of bridging Japanese heritage with London innovation. We’re raising a glass to bringing our British-made sake to curious drinkers all over the UK.”
MD of Speciality Brands, Chris Seale, said: “We’ve long been fans of Japanese food and drink culture, and it has been really encouraging to see a huge increase in Japanese-led cuisine across our cities as well as British bartenders fully embracing Japanese techniques, flavours and products.
“During this journey we have been asked many times about sake and I’m really pleased to say that, in Kanpai, we will be representing a real gem. As the UK’s first sake brewery, Kanpai pushes the category’s boundaries and like many of our brands shares the same quality and family values.”
