John Frank, Vice Chairman of Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., has been named a 2013 “Sake Samurai” by the Sake Samurai Association, a council for the Japan Sake Brewers Association, for his hard work and exemplary leadership in the industry. Mr. Frank was bestowed with this great honor for his outstanding contribution to the understanding, appreciation and promotion of Sake during his nearly 40 year commitment to Gekkeikan Sake’s success. The ceremony was held earlier this month at Shimogamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and recognized only six individuals from around the world.
Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. first began importing Gekkeikan Sake in 1972, the year the company opened its doors with just 4 employees. Today, the privately held and family owned importing company staffs more than 165 full-time employees and remains the exclusive importer in the United States for the world’s most popular sake, Gekkeikan.
The Sake Samurai Association was established in 2004 to protect both sake and Japanese traditions at home and to promote them internationally. Since 2006, the association has awarded annual “Samurai” titles to individuals committed to upholding the following three tenets: love both Sake and the beautiful culture of Japan, strive to gain a deeper understanding of sake culture and work on behalf of its further development and spread the word about Japanese sake around the world with pride and passion.
“It has been both an honor and privilege to serve as the sole agent in the United States for Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd.,” says Mr. Frank. “Throughout the last four decades, Gekkeikan Sake has become the largest sake in the U.S. with sales of over 400,000 cases a year.”
Founded in 1637 by the Okura family, The House of Gekkeikan has been making sake for almost 400 years and has 14 generations of sake brewing experience, making it one of the oldest family-operated businesses in the world and one of the most respected names in sake. Gekkeikan means “Crown of Laurel,” a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence.
The House of Gekkeikan’s portfolio is extensive and comprised of an array of 14 top quality sakes and plum wines that appeal to sake novices and sake aficionados alike. Over the centuries, Gekkeikan has refined the sake brewing techniques to combine culture and tradition with innovation, resulting in a comprehensive line of sakes that are versatile, ideal for food paring and adaptable for various consumption methods. Gekkeikan Japan is located in the prestigious Fushimi region within the Kyoto Prefecture. Fushimi, meaning “hidden water,” refers to the pristine waters of the region, renowned for their softness and low mineral content, which produces smooth, well-rounded refined sakes that are lightly fragrant and extremely versatile.
All sakes from the House of Gekkeikan are sulfite and gluten free. Gekkeikan Sake is imported by Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., New Rochelle, NY 10801. www.gekkeikan-sake.com.
About Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc.
Founded in 1972, Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. of New Rochelle, NY, currently owns or imports: Jagermeister Herbal Liqueur – the number one selling imported Liqueur and shot brand in the United States; Gekkeikan Sake – the world’s finest sake with nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience, American Harvest – an organic vodka that boasts a distinctly smooth and crisp, clean taste; Barenjager Honey Liqueur – the German imported original honey liqueur made with generous amounts of premium natural honey; Barenjager Honey & Bourbon – a delicious blend of premium honey liqueur and Kentucky bourbon whiskey; Barenjager Honey & Tea – premium honey artfully blended with tea liqueur; Barenjager Honey & Pear – a delightful combination of premium honey liqueur and Williams pear brandy; VnC Cocktails – the naturally spirited premium, all natural, low calorie ready-to-serve line of cocktails from New Zealand; Hudson’s Bay Scotch – a smooth blend of 100% Scotch Whiskies distilled and blended in Scotland and St. Vivant Armagnac – the premium French brandy steeped in tradition dating back to 1559. www.sidneyfrank.com
