EXPERIENCE passion WITH TASTE
Arkansas’ first and only sake brewery. Sourcing Arkansas Rice and Hot Springs Water, Origami is giving a new spin on domestic sake.
ORIGINAL. ARTFUL. FLAVORFUL.
Like the art form of origami, we consider our sake to be an expression created from equal parts passion, expertise, and the abundant gifts of our local soils.
LEARN MOREBETTER WATER. BETTER SAKE.
Sake is predominately composed of water — which is why the water source is the most critical component for premium brands. Origami Sake sources our water exclusively from the Ouachita Mountains in Hot Springs, Arkansas – a town famous worldwide for its water.
The Ouachita Mountain aquifer in Hot Springs provides pure, naturally filtered water that is low in sodium and iron, possesses a perfect pH, and is naturally infused with minerals that are perfect for premium sake production. Origami uses better water. You get better sake.
THE RICE BEHIND ORIGAMI
Origami Sake resides in the heart of U.S. rice country—with our home state accounting for more than 50% of the nation’s total rice production. Like our water quality, the combination of soil, terrain, and climate enable Arkansas to grow and us to source the quality of rice necessary to create truly
special sake.
Isbell Farms, our local growing partner has been farming rice exported around the globe for decades. Our farmers have perfected growing many varieties of rice suitable for sake brewing, known as sakamai, such as Omachi, Somai, and Yamada Nishiki, the most prized varietal of sake rice. Which means the best rice on the planet grows right in our backyard. And now we get to share that flavor with you.
how SAKE IS MADE
Sake Rice:
The Foundation
We start with rice. But not just any rice! Sake rice is a special variety that has been cultivated specifically for making sake. It has a higher starch content than regular table rice, which is essential for creating the unique flavor and texture of sake.
Koji Fermentation Process
Next comes the koji. This is a special type of mold that is mixed with steamed rice and left to ferment for several days. The koji breaks down the starch in the rice and converts it into fermentable sugar. This is a crucial step in the sake-making process, as the koji determines the sweetness and complexity of the final product.
Yeast Fermentation in Sake
After the koji has done its job, yeast is added to the mix. The yeast ferments the sugars in the rice, producing alcohol and creating the distinctive flavor and aroma of sake. This fermentation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired style of sake.
Pressing & Bottling
Once the fermentation is complete, the sake is pressed to separate the liquid from the solids. The resulting liquid is then filtered and pasteurized to further develop its flavor and aroma before packaging.
So next time you’re sipping on a glass of sake, take a moment to appreciate the time and care that went into crafting this beautiful beverage. Kampai!
The Foundation
Koji Fermentation Process
Yeast Fermentation in Sake
Pressing & Bottling
MEMORABLE MEETS SUSTAINABLE
Sustainability and environmental awareness are a part of our mission but never at the expense of quality or flavor. We believe that we can produce the best-tasting sake in the United States that is also the most environmentally friendly. Origami will become the first Net-Zero certified sake maker in the U.S. through a commitment to solar energy, locally sourced rice, and the goal of being a zero-waste manufacturer. We’re committed to creating a great product and being great stewards of the environment.
SOLAR POWERED ENERGY
The building will get 100% of its electric demand from ground mounted solar with a 408kW array comprised of 741 ground mounted solar panels providing approximately 585mw hours.
ZERO-WASTE
We are striving to be a zero-waste manufacturer utilizing recyclable packaging and donating by-products such as rice flour and kasu to the local livestock farmers.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
With the combination of green energy, local sourcing, and waste reduction, Origami Sake will be one of the most sustainably produced alcoholic beverages in the United States.
LOCAL SUPPLY
We are sourcing rice exclusively from Arkansas growers that demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices like Isbell Farms. All water is sourced directly from an onsite well with no processing.
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