The new batch of Haikara artisanal sake: Get ready to raise your glass!
- Haikara
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Forget everything you think you know about sake. This year, Haikara is making a bold statement with a new Junmai sake bottle, crafted by our friend Greg from "LES LARMES DU LEVANT."
You can enjoy it at our restaurants (82 rue de la Folie-Méricourt and 60 boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris), or order it online via our e-shop.
And to top it all off, the label is designed by the artist "CHATCON," who created a visual as cute as it is intriguing, featuring a cat and a Japanese-inspired vibe… Yes, a cat. Because, well, why not!!
The story of our collaboration with Greg
We thought, “Why not create just one sake—the one that really rocks?” And that’s how our partnership with Greg was born.
Since 2020, we’ve been working together to find the perfect balance—the kind that makes you never hesitate between an aperitif, a meal pairing, or a nightcap (because honestly, who wants to hesitate when it comes to sake?).
Greg seems to have it all under control, though—we met him in Pélussin, a place where brewers are heroes in their own way. And believe us, his days are a bit like a rollercoaster… but they always end well, with sake!
What’s in this batch?
This batch is a Junmai, polished to 80%, brewed with yeast #7, and comes in at a modest 15% alcohol.
No worries—it’s not a monster; it’s just the perfect sake for any occasion. We recommend enjoying it chilled or at room temperature, because that’s when it truly shines. Plus, it pairs with almost anything (yes, anything—even your Netflix dinner with sashimi or karaage).
As every year, Greg poured his brewer’s soul into this batch, and each bottle is a little different from the last.
In 2021, we had a label designed by the studio "AHORA," inspired by the film Aniki, mon frère (because we love cinema, not just sake).
In 2023, we created a design featuring an octopus wrapping around a sake bottle, crafted by the artist "HARIBOW" and inspired by traditional Japanese tattoo art (Irezumi), just to add some fun to our collection.
This year, "CHATCON" took the brush, creating an illustration centered on the cat (which we obviously adore). And, cherry on top, we even released a limited edition series of t-shirts for the occasion!
So, what’s a Junmai?
Junmai is sake with no added alcohol. Think of it as a “pure” sake—but not in a harsh way. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a sake that’s straightforward, focusing on the essentials, without any frills!
Some sakes have alcohol added at the end of brewing, but we leave that to the fans of that style. For us, it’s all about pure, authentic Junmai—that’s how we like it!
Come taste this bath (because we're nice, but not just that...)
Of course, you can enjoy this sake directly at our restaurants, or order it online to savor at home.
Let us know what you think—and if you’re a creative spirit, send us your portfolio for the next sake label!
A little side note. This is our very first blog post!
Yes, we’re finally launching our blog! 🎉 Our goal? To share our latest news, projects, and connect with you about your ideas and passions around sake and Japanese culture.
We’ll aim to publish at least one article per quarter, so stay tuned!
And if there are topics you’d like us to cover here, let us know. After all, this blog is for you too. 🍶💬
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