Founded in Miyagi, Japan, in 1789 – the Tanaka Shuzo Sake Brewery celebrated in 2019 its 230th anniversary of crafting the world's most refined Sake. The Tanaka 1789 X Chartier Sake Blend 001, 2018 Vintage, is a Kimoto tokubetsu junmai Nama-zume blended Sake. For the first time in Sake's history in Japan, Francois Chartier, a world-famous sommelier working with Tanaka's toji, Morikawa san, has developed Sake's blends inspired by his aromatic science, indeed magnifying the aromatic synergy between the different sake cuvées.
Reflecting the unique collaboration between Tanaka & Chartier, the Design needed to celebrate the unexpected association: "Blending the best with the best and successfully balances the rich history of Tanaka with Chartier's unique take on innovation.

Inspired by the Tanaka Brewery's distinctive architecture, we crafted a black on black grid pattern in the label's background, invoking the beautiful brewery walls, an embodiment of Edo's unique characteristics period's Kura architecture. Printed as varnishes around the bottle, the grid pattern is sequenced to create a series of hexagons, a key symbol of Chartier's aromatic science and expertise.
The brand mark is also built around the powerful synergy between both names, combining the words Tanaka and Chartier together in a cross pattern to create a strong logo lockup, highlighting this exceptional collaboration's strength. The smooth, matte black bottle works together with the minimalist white graphics. Embracing the Sake world's tradition, the unique black glass closure is carefully sealed with a particular label, elevating the product's unpacking experience.

Covid 19 disrupted the launch in liquor stores, but the brand is exceptionally well received and extremely successful in fine-dining restaurants across Japan, Europe, and Canada. Tanaka1789 X Chartier Sake #1 blend already receives two significant awards in the Sake world, and the restauranteurs praise the packaging for its elegance and uniqueness.