The great master Koshu prepared to go on a journey to the coast. He took only three things: a stick, a sparrow in a cage, and a bottle of SakéOne Organic Ginjo Junmai Saké. His pupils gathered around to see him off.

“Master,” they asked, “why do you take so little with you on a long and dangerous voyage?”

“I have all I need,” the master replied. “The stick, to help me walk. The sparrow, to hear its song. And this SakéOne Organic Ginjo Junmai Saké -”

“To keep you from thirst?” a pupil interrupted.

“No, because its lush, complex, full-bodied fruit flavors will go great with the wild salmon at my favorite little seafood place.”

The pupil, chastened, stood on one leg well into the night.

*

Ren-Sukyu devoted his life to instructing lords in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, a sublime expression of peace and contentment.

Very old and ill, Ren-Sukyu was examined by a physician, who said that if Ren-Sukyu were to drink any more tea, he would die.

Ren-Sukyu wept for four days and nights. On the fifth day, he was visited by the great teacher Koshu. Upon hearing of the tea-master’s woe, Koshu placed a bottle of SakéOne Organic Nigori Saké before him.

“Here is something as new as the morning dew,” Koshu told his distraught friend. “Never before has a Nigori Saké been certified organic. Drink.”

Ren-Sukyu drank deeply of its rich, creamy coconut flavors. He noted a strong pineapple character and a hint of banana, and thanked Koshu. Then he resumed weeping.

“Was the saké unsatisfactory?” Koshu asked.

“No, it was wonderful,” Ren-Sukyu replied. “I just realized I wasted my life with all that stupid tea.”

Then Koshu turned Ren-Sukyu into a rooster, for some reason.

*

One morning, Koshu asked his pupils, “What is the true meaning of joy?”

“Joy is this empty rice bowl,” one answered. “A vessel open to whatever fills it.”

“Joy is the mountainside,” another said. “It carries one up and forward at the same time.”

“Joy is a pond full of fish,” said a third. “In its ripples, one can see all the colors of life.”

“You disappoint me,” Koshu replied. “The answer is G Joy Junmai Ginjo Genshu by SakéOne. With nothing but rice, water, yeast, and koji, this hand-crafted blend of three superior sakés conjures a full, fruity nose; richly layered ripe melon flavors with touches of pear and plum; and a spicy, lingering finish. Pair it with spicy cuisine from any part of the world – ”

“Pardon me, master,” a pupil interrupted. “But are you being paid to say this?”

“I have not yet worn the wooden sandal that pays for itself,” the master answered. “Now who wants some G Saké?”

In this way, Koshu became the most popular Zen master in his prefecture.

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