Rollins Alumna Tessa Hahn ’10 Brings Tessakē to Grove Party

When alumni returned to campus for Alumni Weekend, they came ready to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their Rollins experience. This year’s Grove Party offered an extra reason to raise a glass thanks to Rollins alumna Tessa Hahn ’10, founder of Tessakē, a premium Junmai sparkling sake brand that proudly sponsored the event.

A Rollins Education That Sparked a Vision

Hahn chose to attend Rollins for its liberal arts curriculum and the opportunity to explore diverse courses and ways of thinking. During her time as a student, she was shaped by classes and professors who encouraged curiosity, creativity, and meaningful dialogue, pushing her to explore ideas from multiple perspectives.

“The best opportunities usually live at the intersection of cultures, specifically when it comes to global, cultural, and creative spaces,” she says. Hahn carried this mindset from the classroom through the founding of Tessakē.

Her time at Rollins allowed her to think about markets in global terms, not just domestic, and emphasized how much this perspective matters when building a brand.

The Creation of Tessakē

Hahn was drawn to sake because it offered the kind of beverage experience she valued—rooted in community, crafted with quality ingredients, and deeply connected to tradition. That personal standard guided every decision behind Tessakē, from the ingredients and brewing process to the brewmaster and even the canned format. While there was a significant gap in the market for cleaner, premium sake, Tessakē was not built on trend-chasing but on Hahn’s values of quality and conviction.

Tessakē maintains traditional craftsmanship while excluding the "sneaky seven," including sugar, gluten, and sulfites. The company’s seventh-generation sake master and fermentation scientist crafts each release using premium rice and water from a single, transparent source, underscoring the brand’s commitment to authenticity.

As Hahn built her brand and observed consumer reactions, she noticed that the beverage challenged people’s preconceived notions about sake. In many ways, Tessakē became an opportunity to invite others to share in the curiosity and cultural appreciation she developed at Rollins.

Grove Party’s Main Squeeze

For Hahn, sponsoring Grove Party was personally and professionally meaningful.

“Grove Party is my favorite Alumni Weekend event,” says Hahn, who has attended the celebration every year since graduating in 2010. “After experiencing 16 years of Grove Parties, it was a huge honor to sponsor it.”

She attributes the distinctive energy at Grove to its role as the kickoff event for Alumni Weekend. “I always love that it’s the kickoff,” Hahn explains. “Everyone is so happy to be back in the place that is so special to them.”

That sense of homecoming, joy, and shared experience aligns with Tessakē’s emphasis on community and celebration without compromise. During the event, Hahn especially enjoyed connecting with younger alumni, many of whom were eager to learn more about the culture surrounding Tessakē.

“I think community is everything, especially for an alcohol brand,” she says. Hahn reflects that when people are sharing food and drinks, they are also building community. Pairing that belief with her gratitude for Rollins made the Grove Party sponsorship a natural extension of her brand and values.

Looking Ahead With Purpose

Looking to the future, Hahn envisions that Tessakē will move beyond a brand and become a cultural phenomenon, setting her sights on national expansion within the next five years.

“I want Tessakē to be the drink that people order by name before they even see the menu,” says Hahn.

For alumni and students interested in entrepreneurship, Hahn’s advice is rooted in resilience and self-trust. She encourages them not to be discouraged by rejection, emphasizing that hearing “no” is often part of the journey.

“Stay convicted and true to what you believe,” says Hahn. “Always trust your gut.”

To learn more about Tessakē, follow @drinktessake on Instagram and TikTok.