Zaku - Sake Lees Cheesecake by Sake brewer Selected at Ise-Shima Summit

‘Zaku’, a sweet sake used from sake lees is created by the brewery ‘Shimizu Seisaburo  Shoten’.
Recognised for its prime quality, it was served as a drink at the G7 Ise-Shima summit in 2016 where world leaders come together to discuss the state of the world.
Using this acclaimed sake, ‘Patisserie Mon Image’ in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture has created a unique cheesecake with a Japanese twist.
While it's sake lees cheesecake, its flavor is not overpowering and is reminiscent of the subtle notes found in amazake.
Thanks to this characteristic of having a milder sake flavor, JPassport members who do not typically consume alcohol have enjoyed it immensely!

It even gained championship status by winning the Food Action Nippon Award in 2020, a contest sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to help discover excellent products that make use of domestic products from  the three categories. 

An item that can only be found here in Mie, Patisserie Mon Image prides itself in its use of local ingredients and it being packed with the charm of its handmade quality.
A terrine tailored cheesecake, it is thick and fluffy where it softly melts in your mouth.
However, the key ingredient here is the famous Zaku sake.
The mellow flavour of the Japanese rice wine is sophisticated and subtle.
It adds a layer to the complexity of the cake where it is a harmonious pairing with the smooth and rich cream cheese.
The dessert is not too sweet and there is a refreshing aftertaste of the sake that follows.
It makes it ideal for more mature tastebuds that are looking for something a bit more special when compared to a regular cheesecake.  

History of Zaku 

Starting all the way back to the beginning with Yoshitake Hamaguchi who was born to a family that ran a Japanese confectionary shop.
Since he was a child, he was always  interested and familiar with the delicate and refined flavours of traditional Japanese confectionaries.
They always dreamt and had this idea of creating their own concept of products where Japan meets the West and combines tradition with modernity.
With this, they set out on the path to become a pâtissier where every creation will deliver a unique gustatory experience.
In 2003, they established Patisserie Mon Image in Kumano, Mie Prefecture that has since been beloved by the locals.
With the idea of wanting to create products that showcase the region by using specialist ingredients from the prefecture, the  Zaku Cheesecake was born.

OfficialCollaboration with Tokai Region
(Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefecture)

The Tokai region facing the Pacific Ocean is a naturally rich area known for its stunning sea and mountain vistas.
It boasts a wealth of natural hot springs, magnificent landscapes, historic landmarks, and retro townscapes, all of which showcase the region's rich history and continue to thrive in the present day.
Notably, it offers a wide range of tourist attractions.

In Aichi, you can experience the beautiful nightscapes of Mikawa Bay.
In Gifu, there's the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go and the renowned Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's three great mountains.
Additionally, in Mie, you can enjoy the striking contrast between the crystal-clear seas of Ise-Shima and the vibrant greenery.

 Of course, you can't miss out
on the region's delectable cuisine.