The two organizations have also announced a collaboration to further the education and awareness of sake in the United States. As part of the partnership, the CIA—with the support of Asahi—will be developing curriculum, certification programs, workshops, and special events and tastings. Sake plays an important role in Japanese society and these new unique education programs around sake will further the education of Japanese cuisine and culture for CIA students, food enthusiasts, food industry professionals, and other visitors to the Hudson Valley.

"Sake is an exceptionally food-friendly beverage," CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan said. "We've only just scratched the surface of how it can be enjoyed. Pairing the CIA's educational expertise with Asahi Shuzo's premium quality Dassai sake, we can do a lot to raise the awareness of sake and Japanese culinary culture in America."

Construction of the brewery—at the corner of Route 9 and St. Andrews Road—is expected to begin this spring, with an anticipated opening in 2019. Its 52,500 square feet includes a retail and tasting space, and it will offer public tours.

"The CIA has made Hyde Park the culinary capital of the United States, and we look forward to contributing to that reputation," said Asahi Shuzo, chairman Hiroshi Sakurai.

In addition to Chairman Sakurai and several other company employees who will relocate from Japan, the facility will create at least 32 new local jobs. At full capacity, the brewery will produce 332,000 gallons of sake a year. Asahi Shuzo is investing more than $28 million in the project.

PHOTO: Asahi Shuzo Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai (at microphone) and President Kazuhiro Sakurai speak about their company's premium sake brewery to be built in Hyde Park, NY during a welcoming event at The Culinary Institute of America on April 10, 2018. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)