Kaori Koumatu is making sake accessible to the world! Kaori, an avid traveller, understands first-hand the communication barriers present with sake. As the CEO of Taishi, Kaori is determined to remove these barriers through sake education and exportation. Kaori’s impressive list of qualifications include Certified Sake Sommelier and Sake Expert with the National Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB). Her expertise goes far beyond her qualifications. A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Kaori is constantly expanding her knowledge and keeping up with the latest developments in the world of sake. She also has extensive knowledge of shochu, making her a well-rounded educator with expertise in Japanese alcoholic beverages. In her constant pursuit of knowledge, Kaori has visited over 100 breweries across Japan and is eager to pass on to future sake sommeliers everything she has learned!

Taishi is a sake exporter and educator that works closely with over one hundred breweries across Japan. In addition to providing a professionally curated sake portfolio, Taishi offers Sake buyers the latest information on sake innovation and news.

Looking to take your sake education further. Kaori can offer a combined Certified Sake Sommelier® and Advanced Sake Sommelier® programme upon request, allowing you to progress through both levels as part of one learning journey.