Origami Sake

Origami Sake is the vision and passion project of native Arkansan Ben Bell. While working as a wine specialist in Little Rock he first encountered sake and began wondering if it could be made in his home state. While Arkansas may seem an odd fit for sake it is America’s premier rice state, with fully 48% of all American rice grown there. Arkansas weather mirrors that of Japan, with a high annual rainfall and abundant natural springs.

Ben spent fully 15 years working on his vision, including living in Japan for two years to work at a traditional sake maker and learn the art of brewing. Connecting with entrepreneur Matt Bell (no relation) they built a brewery in Hot Springs, Arkansas using mineral water from the Ouachita Mountains and rice sourced from Isbell Farms which has been growing Japanese specialty rice varieties for decades. Their sake is produced by hand using time honored methods, but keeping the cuisine and tastes of their native Arkansas in mind.

The result is a bright, lively and endlessly fascinating beverage inspired by Japanese tradition but reflective of American innovation.