Home > Latest News > Beverages > Sake Ono: Redefining Luxury Sake for a new era
Joanne
7/10/2025 9:58:55 AM
4 mins read
Six months after its debut in the United Kingdom, Sake ONO is redefining how this iconic Japanese drink is perceived, enjoyed, and celebrated. A modern luxury brand that blends centuries-old craftsmanship with bold, forward-thinking ambition, Sake ONO invites a new generation of drinkers to experience the beauty, complexity, and versatility of sake well beyond the traditional sushi counter.
Crafted in the heart of Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, Sake ONO has been designed for versatility. Whether served chilled in a wine glass, paired with thoughtful dishes, or stirred into refined low-alcohol cocktails, the liquid performs beautifully in a range of settings. Since launching in the United Kingdom with distributor DrinksOne, the brand has steadily expanded its presence across leading restaurants, hotels, private members’ clubs, and select retailers.
“We believe sake is ready for its renaissance,” says Lana Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer of Sake ONO. “It is clean, elegant, and has the same culinary and mixology potential as fine wine or spirits. Our mission is to make it accessible and inspiring, whether you are a long-time enthusiast or discovering sake for the first time.”
Sake ONO was born from a vision of what sake could become. The brand was founded by the Yang, Cue, and Azoff families, respected leaders in the global music and technology industries, following a series of life-changing experiences with premium sake in Japan. Struck by the lack of appreciation for the category in Western markets, the founders set out to create a modern sake brand that could connect heritage and innovation, and bring this exceptional category to a wider international audience.
The name “ONO” carries dual meaning. In Japanese, it means “small field”, while in Hawaiian, it translates as “delicious”. This fusion reflects the brand’s cross-cultural foundation and deep respect for craftsmanship and flavour. Led by an all-female executive team, Sake ONO is committed to challenging perceptions of sake and introducing a new era of refined, elegant, and globally relevant Japanese drinks.
At the heart of the brand is its flagship Junmai Daiginjo, the highest classification of sake, requiring meticulous attention to detail and precision. Brewed using hand-selected rice, koji, yeast, and pristine snowmelt water from Niigata, the expression is clean and aromatic, with delicate notes of honeydew melon, lemon peel, white floral, and green apple. Balanced with a soft umami finish, it is crafted to complement both fine dining and contemporary bar culture.
Sake ONO is currently served in a growing number of acclaimed venues in both the United States and the United Kingdom, including Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, Coya, and the Mandarin Oriental. It is available in both 30 ml and 750 ml bottles for trade and consumer purchase, both in venues and via the online platform www.drinksone.com.
The brand is also helping to reimagine sake’s role in modern cocktail culture. Working with renowned mixologists such as Julie Reiner and Jonathan Adler, Sake ONO has developed a range of signature serves that highlight its elegant, crisp profile. These include the ONO Vesper, which combines Sake ONO with Orientalist Gin, Altamura Vodka, and umami bitters; the ONO Spritz, a refreshing blend of Sake ONO, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, yuzu juice, and fresh herbs; and the ONO Daiquiri, which adds grapefruit juice, Equiano Light Rum, fresh lime, and lychee liqueur for a refined and citrus-forward take on the classic.
Sake ONO also encourages exploration when it comes to food pairings. While it naturally complements traditional dishes such as oysters, sashimi, and beef tartare, it also pairs beautifully with unexpected plates including aged cheeses, grilled peaches, truffle risotto, and even dark chocolate desserts. Served in a wine glass, it provides a lighter, gluten-free, and lower-alcohol alternative to white wine or Champagne, perfectly suited to modern dining preferences.
Sake is currently experiencing a surge in interest among both trade and consumers. According to data from IWSR, super-premium sake has more than doubled in volume between 2023 and 2024, and the category is forecast to grow by five per cent annually, reaching 6.6 per cent of global market share by 2028. As drinkers increasingly seek lower-alcohol, clean-label, and culturally authentic products, Sake ONO is well positioned to lead this exciting new phase of growth.
Sake ONO is distributed in the United Kingdom by DrinksOne. The product is available now in select venues, boutique retailers, and online at www.drinksone.com. For press materials, trade samples, or partnership enquiries, please contact Cutlass Communications.
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