Founded in 1920 by Hayashi Eiichi, the multi-award winning Hayashi Honten prides itself on 'remembering the old while embracing the new'. This philosophy guides their sake brewing: they are young, dynamic and hugely innovative yet everything is still done by hand. They honour the old and traditional ways of brewing while constantly striving to produce that 'wow factor' of something new. Over its 1000-year history sake has undergone many changes and it is Hayashi Honten's constant innovation and experimentation that keeps their sake alive, contemporary and relevant to today's market. To hone their skills and ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry, the toji (Master Brewer) and workers go on an annual retreat to Akita prefecture. This is a time for them to reflect on their brewing methods, learn from other masters and plan for the year to come.