ANA to Feature Long-Aged Japanese Sake for International First-Class Travelers

Published on December 2, 2025

A new inflight experience will be introduced for international passengers this December, as a long-aged Japanese sake will be served on the First Class routes of ANA. The selection will highlight a category of sake that has matured for more than a decade, offering travelers a rare taste of Japan’s traditional brewing culture during their journey.

A New Sake Experience for International Flyers

ANA’s international First Class cabins will offer a blended aged sake Inishie no Bishu for a limited time. This sake will represent a category known for long maturation and deep character. Its inclusion will mark the first time this type of aged sake has been chosen for the airline’s premium service.

The sake has been produced by a company based in Hyogo Prefecture, which has been developing long-aged varieties for several years. Only aged sake with more than ten years of maturation is selected for its brand. These selections are sourced from breweries across Japan and blended with careful attention to aroma and balance.

For many travelers, inflight drinks play a small but memorable role in the overall travel experience. This aged sake may offer passengers a unique moment as they settle into long-haul flights. The beverage has been created from vintages that span different regions and years, giving travelers a taste shaped by time and technique.

Travelers Engaging With Japan’s Sake Heritage

Visitors often seek deeper cultural immersion when exploring a destination. For many, traditional food and drink offer insights into local identity, and travelers can build connections through what they taste. This inflight sake experience provides a preview of Japanese heritage even before arrival.

Aged sake has existed for generations, yet most travelers encounter new sake more frequently. Production of aged varieties has become less common, and many travelers may not have opportunities to sample such drinks during their trips. This makes the inflight service particularly relevant for travelers seeking distinct cultural experiences.

The brand producing the aged sake has focused on preserving a category that has seen reduced production over recent years. It sources its aged varieties from breweries across multiple regions and blends them with long-term maturation in mind. Travelers with an interest in local traditions may appreciate this effort as part of their cultural journey.

The company has even established a specialized facility dedicated to aged sake. This facility brings together breweries from different areas, allowing collaborative development and storage. Travelers who explore Japanese food culture may find value in experiencing a blend shaped by these partnerships.

Tourism Interest in Regional Flavors and Traditions

Tourists often search for authentic tastes when visiting new places. Regional products can shape impressions and add meaning to travel memories. The aged sake designed for ANA’s service reflects characteristics drawn from Iwate, Tottori, and Hyogo, offering a combination of aromas and flavors developed over decades.

This blend incorporates vintages from 1997, 2007, and 2010. Each vintage contributes distinctive notes created through long storage and gradual transformation. Tourists who appreciate layered flavors may enjoy exploring these elements during their flight.

The sake features a rich profile shaped by time. Its matured aroma and full-bodied taste have been developed through careful blending. A gentle sweetness rounds out the experience, with a finish that lingers softly. Tourists may find this balance reminiscent of sweeter styles that pair well with refined moments.

For those traveling to or from Japan, this inflight beverage may offer an early introduction to the country’s craftsmanship. Tourism often encourages interest in such products, and tasting an aged variety during a long journey may enhance that curiosity. As travelers encounter regional Japanese traditions, this inflight selection brings one aspect of local culture directly into the travel environment.

Crafting the Blend Served to International Flyers

The aged sake chosen for ANA’s First Class routes has been blended from three time periods. Each segment contributes structure, aroma, and sweetness. These elements have been shaped by decades of storage, resulting in a layered profile.

Aroma development, sweetness, and depth emerge from the blending of regional varieties. The selection process involves assessing how each vintage enhances the final harmony. This method aims to highlight the natural qualities created by time.

The blend includes aged sake from Iwate, Tottori, and Hyogo. These regions contribute matured notes that reflect their individual production years. Travelers may notice how the regional components interact in the final result, even though the experience remains smooth and unified.

The sake presents a sweetness that spreads gently from the first sip. The lingering taste may complement a relaxed inflight moment, adding refinement to the overall travel experience. Through this offering, travelers will be introduced to a category of Japanese sake that has been shaped with patience and intention.

Continuing Efforts to Share Aged Sake With the World

The producer aims to expand awareness of aged sake both within Japan and internationally. By bringing aged varieties into spaces where many travelers gather, the category may reach new audiences. This inflight collaboration aligns with efforts to strengthen recognition of long-aged Japanese beverages.

Travelers who encounter this sake onboard may gain interest in exploring similar varieties during future visits. Tourism often supports cultural revival, and aged sake may benefit from this exposure. As travelers continue to look for meaningful local experiences, traditional drinks may become part of those explorations.

Through this inflight service, a broader audience will experience a sake shaped by time, regional diversity, and careful craftsmanship. For international travelers passing through Japan or departing for other destinations, this unique offering may stand out as a memorable part of their journey.

Image Source: AI