HYDE PARK- Dassai Blue, the first-ever Japan-led sake brewery to open on the East Coast has opened its doors in Hyde Park. Dassai is operating from a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot facility that features both a brewery and tasting room. The facility will support the launch of their new U.S. brand, Dassai Blue.
Governor Kathy Hochul lauded the opening of the brewery. “New York’s craft beverage manufacturers are engines for job creation, tourism, and regional economic growth,” said Hochul. “Dassai’s expansion into the Mid-Hudson Region builds on New York’s national and international leadership in agribusiness and will be a welcome addition to this industry.”
Empire State Development offered the Japan-based brewery up to $588.235 in performance-based tax credits through the state’s Excelsior Jobs Program. Dassai has invested more than $80 million in the facility and has created 32 new jobs.
Dassai’s sake is made from 100 percent Yamada Nishiki rice, the gold standard of sake rice. The name for the U.S. brand, Dassai Blue, comes from an old Japanese proverb that says, “Indigo dye is bluer than the indigo plant from which it is derived.”
Dassai is collaborating with the nearby Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to further education and awareness of sake. As part of the partnership, the CIA has developed a curriculum, certification programs, and public classes.
“The expansion of production to the United States is a significant step towards realizing the desire I had when I started Dassai 30 years ago, which was to have Dassai enjoyed all over the world,” said Hiroshi Sakurai, Dassai Chairman.
Dr. Tim Ryan, President of CIA, spoke about the partnership between Dassai and the culinary institute. “We are honored that Dassai chose to build its first U.S. operation just down the street from the CIA. We worked very hard to bring them here and look forward to our continued collaboration and to helping people discover how…
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