“YOIYO Sake Ganache ” by Lotte Co., Ltd. Set for Release

Supervised by JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY
and created in collaboration with Kokuryu Brewery,
Lotte Co., Ltd. has announced the release of “YOIYO Sake Ganache .”

"JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY (CEO: Hidetoshi Nakata) has supervised the chocolate ""YOIYO Sake Ganache "", a collaboration with Kokuryu Brewery, as the 18th installment of Lotte's popular ""YOIYO"" series. This product will be available in limited quantities starting Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM, through the Lotte Official Online Mall and Kokuryu Brewery's multipurpose facility ""ESHIKOTO""."

"This collaboration, the first of its kind in Lotte's ""YOIYO"" series, is a product that balances the delicate flavors of sake and chocolate. It was developed in partnership with JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY, which is dedicated to promoting Japanese sake culture. Hidetoshi Nakata, the company's Representative Director, personally tasted over 30 types of Japanese sake to determine the perfect pairing with chocolate. As a result, ""Kokuryu Kijoshu"" from Kokuryu Brewery in Fukui Prefecture was selected."

Kokuryu Brewery, founded in 1804, is renowned both domestically and internationally for its high-quality sake, crafted meticulously using premium sake rice. In particular, the "Kokuryu Kijoshu", featured in this collaboration, is characterized by its honey-like sweetness and sharp acidity, achieved by brewing with sake instead of water. This kijoshu has been refined through numerous adjustments to perfectly harmonize with the sweetness of chocolate, focusing even on its smooth texture to create an exquisite product. Pre-orders for this product will begin on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM via the Lotte Group Official Online Mall, ahead of its official release on November 5, 2024.

Take this rare opportunity to indulge in the ultimate pairing of sake and chocolate. Enjoy a luxurious moment created by this exceptional flavor combination.

■ About "YOIYO"
"YOIYO" encases not only the flavor but also the aroma of premium sake selected from across Japan within Lotte's smooth milk chocolate. Each piece is made with ingredients rooted in pure water, local soil, and traditional techniques, offering a taste that transports you to the sake's place of origin. The name "YOIYO" comes from “良い宵 (a good evening),” reflecting the desire for people to enjoy this treat during twilight or after dinner, like embarking on a whimsical journey. As Lotte's first D2C brand, the delicate flavors are delivered directly to your home under optimal temperature control.

Founded by Ishidaya Nisaburo, the first master brewer, in Matsuo, Eiheiji Town—a region blessed with excellent water—Kokuryu Brewery has continuously pursued its unique sake brewing methods. Built on the philosophy of "making good sake," the brewery has explored new possibilities for Japanese sake, leading pioneering initiatives in the industry. Focused on the fleeting moment when customers "savor" their sake, Kokuryu Brewery offers timeless, beloved sake.
Kokuryu Brewery official website: https://www.kokuryu.co.jp/