Mizkan Americas
At Mizkan America, Inc., our success comes from over 220 years of rich Japanese tradition.
Our roots go back to 19th century Handa where, in 1804, Mr. Matazaemon Nakano began producing rice vinegar using byproducts from the production of sake (rice alcohol). Little did he know that as he sold this new product to local sushi chefs he was laying the groundwork for a company that would become the largest vinegar producer in the world.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
