Industry Veteran and Saké Enthusiast Promoted to Lead America’s Largest Premium Craft Saké Producer and Premier Importer of Japanese Saké
Forest Grove, OR – March 31, 2025 – SakéOne, America’s original craft saké brewery, is pleased to announce the promotion of Paul Englert to President, effective April 1, 2025. Englert brings a wealth of experience in the wine and saké industries, along with a passion for expanding saké’s presence in the U.S. market.
Englert joined SakéOne in 2017 as Director of Marketing and was previously Executive Vice President, leveraging his extensive background in wine importing, brand innovation, and consumer engagement to introduce new audiences to premium saké. His leadership and vision have played a critical role in SakéOne’s growth, blending traditional brewing techniques with modern market strategies.
“Paul’s dedication to educating and inspiring consumers about saké has been instrumental in our success,” said Steve Vuylsteke, CEO of SakéOne. “His ability to bridge innovation with tradition makes him the ideal leader to guide SakéOne into its next chapter and I’m excited to see the company continue to grow under his leadership.”
For the past 15 years, Vuylsteke has served as President and CEO of SakeOne, driving significant growth in the company’s craft saké portfolio. Under his leadership, SakeOne has become the leader in premium saké in America, with both American craft saké and premium Japanese imports.
Englert’s journey into the world of saké began unexpectedly. Initially skeptical due to an early experience with lower-quality saké, his perspective changed after a revelatory tasting at the acclaimed Charlie Trotter’s restaurant in Chicago. That moment ignited a passion that led him to become a certified expert in saké, earning his WSET Level 3 Advanced certification.
“Saké is an incredibly versatile and elegant beverage, and I’m excited to continue championing its place in the American market,” said Englert. “At SakéOne, we honor the craftsmanship of traditional brewing while embracing opportunities to introduce saké to new audiences. I look forward to leading our talented team as we expand our reach and elevate appreciation for this amazing beverage.”
The U.S. continues to be Japan’s largest and fastest-growing export market for saké, fueling the global rise of this iconic beverage. In 2024, saké exports to the U.S. surged by an impressive 25%, playing a pivotal role in the overall 6.4% increase in Japanese saké exports worldwide. This momentum comes at a historic moment for the industry, as Japan’s traditional saké-making with koji mold was officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—further cementing saké’s cultural and artisanal significance on the world stage.
Englert has spent his career working with globally renowned beverage brands, driving growth via line extensions, creating new brands and championing packaging innovation. His approach to saké education emphasizes accessibility, encouraging consumers to explore diverse styles and pairings.
Under his leadership, SakéOne will continue to focus on quality, education, and market expansion, reinforcing its position as a leader in the U.S. saké industry.
For more information about SakéOne and its portfolio, visit SakéOne.com.
About SakéOne
SakéOne is America’s pioneering craft saké brewery, blending time-honored Japanese brewing techniques with innovative approaches to introduce premium saké to the U.S. market. Based in Forest Grove, Oregon, SakéOne is committed to producing high-quality, locally brewed saké for its Momokawa, Moonstone, g, Yomi and Naginata brands, and imports an exceptional selection of Japanese saké for American consumers.
