Sugidama Podcast

The new season of Sugidama Sake Podcast is out and I am releasing the first episode on Saturday! This is the start of a mini-series "How to Enjoy Sake".  After talking to a lot of people who don't drink sake I have realised that very often the reason is that they believe that sake has some special rules for buying, drinking and enjoying it and they don't know them.In reality, sake is like any other drink, has its own particularities but they are not as complex and different from other alcoholic beverages as some people think. Its a Japanese drink so some of the language associated with it is Japanese, but it should not be a problem if you don't know it. You can start your sake journey without any advance knowledge.And in the first episode of the series I am giving very simple and easy tips for buying your sake. Another exciting thing is that I am organising Sake & Pintxos Discovery Night to celebrate versatility of sake. It's a drink that can be enjoyed with any kind of food! And on December 14 we will drink it with iconic Basque food, pintxos, which are so ubiquitous in Northern Spain. If you are in London that day, please come! It would be great to meet any of my listeners. The tickets and the event information: Sake & Pintxos Discovery Night.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today plus shochu and some other beverages. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Sake & Pintxos Discovery Night: a bit of the back story"How to Enjoy Sake" mini-series ideaWhere to buy sake?Is a price of sake a factor?Sake lingo: should I know all this strange words?Why is sake shop staff  invaluable?Sake of the episode: Kamoizumi “Red Maple” 2-Year Aged Nama Genshu GinjoKampai!Sake of the episode:Kamoizumi “Red Maple” 2-Year Aged Nama Genshu GinjoKamoizumi ShuzoWorld Sake Imports UKLondon SakeRed Maple Full ReviewSugidama BlogSake & Pintxos Discovery NightSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz London Sake subscriptions & bottle shop A wide range of premium and craft Japanese sake delivered fresh to your door.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The final episode of Season 4 is about a new Shochu Advisor Course, run by the Intentional Sake School. I have recently taken it and decided to share my experience. The course was taught by amazing Toshio Ueno,  a Co-Founder of the Sake School of America, Director of Sake at MTC. Ueno san is Sake Samurai and advisor to many Japanese government bodies, associations and companies. His knowledge stretches from wine and beer to sake and shochu and many other areas. It's a new and I think the only shochu course available in the UK. It's a short and to-the-point course with a very wide coverage from the history of shochu to shochu-making methods, types, ingredients, food pairing etc. After completing the course you will sit an exam and if successful will receive a Shochu Advisor certificate. The course is great and highly recommended if you are interested in Japanese alcoholic beverages!Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake (and shochu!!!) available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is shochu?How sake and shochu are similar?Ueno sensei and the International Sake SchoolWhy did I decide to get a Shochu Advisor Diploma?The Shochu Advisor course contentThe shochu tasting part of the courseFinal ThoughtsSake of the episode: Takara Towari Soba ShochuKampai!Shochu mentioned:Takara Towari Soba ShochuTakara USAYutakaThe Sake School of AmericaSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

It's the conclusion of the Sake Around the World miniseries. We started it in Birmingham with Simon Boulton, then flew to Hong Kong to talk to Eric and Will, after that we chatted with Timothy and John from the Sake Revolution podcast in New York and made a stop in Paris to discuss sake and wine culture with Tony. Finally, we are back in England to speak with Jamie Ryder about the sake scene in Manchester and the North of England. Jamie Ryder is a hospitality copywriter and marketer and the owner of Yamato Magazine, a publication that celebrates Japanese culture. He's also a certified sake sommelier and international kikisakeshi. His debut short story collection Transmutations is out now.  Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Meet Jamie Ryder Sake in Manchester:sake awareness,where to drinkpreferencestrendsprospects of a local brewerySake gameFuture plansSake of the episode: Ozeki Hana Awaka SparklingKampai!Sake mentioned:Ozeki Hana AwakaOzeki websiteOriental MartThe Akashi Sake BreweryKokuryu Black Dragon Junmai GinjoKokuryu Sake BrewerySorakamiYamato MagazineDrink To That, a weekly newsletter Transmutations: A Collection of Short StoriesSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Kuheiji Kuno is a maverick. He's a trailblazer of the sake world taking his inspiration from hundreds of years of sake brewing tradition, Japanese culture and philosophy of living with nature, and French winemaking.  He believes in terroir, which remains a controversial topic in the sake industry. But he doesn't just believe in it, he demonstrates it with his sake.So we sit down with Nao Torisawa and Hiro Kumagami from Japan Centre, which is one of the largest sake retailers in the UK, and talked about, tasted and discussed three of the Kuheiji sake. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Meet Nao and HiroJapan CentreKuheiji sake brewerySake 01:  Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Fukuji 2019 Junmai DaiginjoSake 02: Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Tako 2020 Junmai DaiginjoSake 03: Kamoshibito Kuheiji Hi No Kishi Junmai Daiginjo SakeKuheiji terroirFuture plans and GoodbyesKampai!Sake mentioned:Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Fukuji 2019 Junmai DaiginjoKuheiji HontenJapan CentreKuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Tako 2020 Junmai DaiginjoKuheiji HontenJapan CentreKamoshibito Kuheiji Hi No Kishi Junmai Daiginjo SakeKuheiji HontenJapan CentreKuheiji Sake BreweryJapan CentreSake Deep Dive Terroir Episode 1 and Episode 2Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

We continue our journey around the world to find out how sake fares in different countries. And today I am talking to Tony Yip from VSF Wine Education about France. How does sake coexist with wine in one of the key wine-making countries?  Do people drink sake at all there and what about local sake?  I have asked Tony all these questions. So listen to the episode to find out what he replied!Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:A brief introduction and the state of sake in France Can sake and wine coexist in France?Pairing sake with French foodWhere do people usually buy and drink sake in ParisWhat kind of sake do French drinkers prefer?Sake in a wine-drinking countrySake trends in FranceLocal French sakeSake of the episode: Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Aiyama 2018Kampai!Sake mentioned:Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Aiyama 2018Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeVSF Wine EducationSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

A new English-language book about sake is always big news. They do not come that often. It's passed almost a year since Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake by Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay (see Episode 30). And this time we are treated by Discovering Yamaguchi Sake by Jim Rion.You should know Jim very well. He's a sake writer, translator and co-host of the fantastic Sake Deep Dive podcast. He's already been on Sugidama Podcast before talking about modern sake trends in Episode 35.  In this episode, we are talking with Jim about his amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it. So if you have not yet bought Discovering Yamaguchi Sake, do it! I can recommend it full-heartedly and without any reservations. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings will help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:From the idea to the final print of the bookYamaguchi sake breweries. Why is Dassai the first on the list?Yamaguchi terroir: does it exist?Market savvy: sake marketing and brandingConnections sections of the bookPeople stories: who makes sake in YamaguchiWhy ask toji for sake recommendations?What is so cool about Yamaguchi sakeDiscoveries during the writing of the bookFuture of Yamaguchi sakeVisiting YamaguchiFuture plansSake of the episode: Horie Kinsuzume Junmai Ginjo YamahaiKampai!Sake mentioned: Horie Kinsuzume Junmai Ginjo YamahaiYamaguchi SakeWhere to buy Discovering Yamaguchi Sake:IndiePubs (US)Foyles (UK)I also used a snippet of the Yamaguchi prefecture song, 山口県民の歌 (full version).Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The United States is the largest export market for Japanese sake. And for the last few decades, New York has been the key destination for sake outside Asia.  Many sake brands first came there and only after that to Europe.  A dedicated sake bar Decibel opened its doors in New York in 1993, almost 30 years before London got its first sake bar. So how does the sake scene in the United States and in New York in particular look like now? In this episode, I am talking to Timothy Sullivan, a Sake Samurai and a founder of the Urban Sake website and John Puma, who is probably the biggest sake geek in New York. And together they are Sake Revolution, the first American sake podcast, of which I am a big fan and even was a guest in episode 107. I love Tim's and John's podcast because it's always fun but also gives you tonnes of useful information about sake! Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Meet Sake Revolution!Peculiarities of the US alcohol marketSake in the US: growth, top states etc.Where to drink and buy sake in New YorkSake consumer awareness and what sake is popular in the USThe US jizake: local sake breweries in the USFuture trends and observationsSake of the episode:Tim: Hakkaisan Yukimuro "Snow Aged 3 years" - Junmai Daiginjo Sake John: Brooklyn Kura Number Fourteen - Junmai Ginjo Kampai!Sake mentioned:Hakkaisan Yukimuro HakkaisanSorakamiBrooklyn Kura Number FourteenBrooklyn KuraSake Revolution PodcastUrban SakeThe Sake NotesSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Founded in 1711, Niida Honke has been brewing sake in the same location in Kōriyama, Fukushima Prefecture for more than 300 years. The brewery is known for the combination of traditional brewing techniques with its strong commitment to natural ingredients and its philosophy that everything has to be done in harmony with nature. The name of the brewery's flagship brand, Shizenshu, means “natural sake". Niida Honke uses only organic rice, fresh water from the local spring, and natural yeast from its own brewery.  They even use frogs on their own rice paddies to get rid of harmful insects.  You can read more about the brewery on Nippon.com.So I sat down with Elena and Laury from Sake Collective to taste some of Niida Honke sake and talk about it. Sake Collective is a new sake shop and bar in East London, offering a great selection of sake from many Japanese breweries as well as some shochu, Japanese whiskey and gin.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:A quick introduction to Sake CollectiveNiida Honke Sake BrewerySake 01: Kaoruyama JunmaiSake 02:  Shizenshu Kan AtsuraeSake 03: Shizenshu Junmai GinjoSake 04: Shizenshu NigoriConclusions and GoodbyesKampai!Sake mentioned:Kaoruyama Junmai Niida HonkeSake CollectiveShizenshu Kan AtsuraeNiida HonkeSake CollectiveShizenshu Junmai GinjoNiida HonkeSake CollectiveShizenshu NigoriNiida HonkeSake CollectiveNiida Honke Sake BrewerySake Collective UKSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

From Birmingham to Hong Kong following sake around the world!  I am talking to Eric Fung and Will Jarvis about the sake scene in Hong Kong.Hong Kong is one of the largest export markets for sake just behind the US and Mainland China due for a number of reasons: Due to the proximity to Japan, consumers in Hong Kong have very good understanding of sakeThe city has low import tariffs, which also makes it a re-export marketHong Kong is a hub for wine trading at a commercial scaleHong Kong is seen as the gateway to ChinaEric Fung is the owner of Flavour of Life,  a purveyor of Japanese sake and beverages from select family-run producers in Japan.   Flavour of Life works exclusively with their Japanese counterpart to ensure quality sake is delivered internationally throughout Asia and North America.  The company focus on Yamaguchi prefecture but also on Shiga and Nagano prefectures. Will Jarvis has been living and working in Asia for 8 years. Sake Matters is his consulting business working closely with Flavour of Life and other local concepts and importers on various projects, events and tastings. Will also writes for the Sake Brewers Association of North America and other Sake organisations and Asia-wide publications. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings will help you find the perfect sake without fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Sake in Hong Kong and how it's compared to the UKWhere do people buy and drink sake in Hong KongSake consumer trends in Hong KongSeasonal sake in Hong KongSake promotion and marketing in Hong KongAre there any local sake breweries in Hong Kong?Future plansSake recommendationsGoodbyes and EndingKampai!Sake mentioned:Miyoshi Blue Junmai GinjoAbunotusuru Sake BreweryFlavour of LifeBreweries mentioned by Will:Kamoizumi ShuzoZenkuro SakeDaimon BreweryOtokoyama Sake BreweryDiscovering Yamaguchi Sake by Jim RionSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Yoshida Sake Brewery, the maker of Tedorigawa sake, is famous not only for its amazing and delicious sake but also for the documentary, The Birth of Sake, which follows the process of traditional, craft sake making throughout the winter of 2013. So we sat down with Asami Tasaka and Masayo Nuttall from World Sake Imports UK to talk about the brewery and try three of their excellent sake. Founded by Chris Pearce in Honolulu, Hawaii, World Sake Imports is also one of the key sake importers here in the United Kingdom bringing such famous sake brands as Dewazakura, Kamoizumi, Masumi, Tamagawa, Sohomare and others to our shores. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:A quick introduction to World Sake Imports Yoshida Brewery and Tedorigawa SakeSake 01: Tedorigawa “U” Junmai YamahaiSake 02:  Tedorigawa “Yamahai Junmai”Sake 03: Tedorigawa “Kinka”ConclusionsTedorigawa and SustainabilityThe Birth of Sake and GoodbyesKampai!Sake mentioned:Tedorigawa “U” Junmai YamahaiWorld Sake Imports UKTedorigawa Yamahai JunmaiTedorigawa Sake (Yoshida Brewery)World Sake Imports UKTedorigawa “Kinka”World Sake Imports UKTedorigawa Sake (Yoshida Sake Brewery)World Sake Imports UKThe Birth of SakeSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

This is the first episode in the Sake Around the World series. Today I am talking with Samuel Boulton about sake in Birmingham. With almost 15 years in the industry, Sam boasts many accolades such as CLASS Awards 2022, Bar Employer of the year, The Drinks Trust Golden Pineapple 2022 Winner of the award Best Internal Staff Initiatives. Samuel is also on the Spirits Judging Committee for the world-renowned IWSC, specialising in Vermouth and liqueurs. In 2021 Sam published his first book The Vermouth Ambassadors Guide to Modern DrinkingHe is also the owner of the award-winning The Pineapple Club, which has been deemed Tale of the Cocktails, Spirited Awards Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New International Bar in Europe and ranked 44th Best Bar on the UK Top 50 Bars List.In early 2022 Sam opened Shibuya Underground a Testing menu cocktail bar specialising in Japanese sake and shochu. So if you are in Birmingham, living there or travelling, stop by Shibuya Underground or The Pineapple Club and have a chat with Sam over a glass or two of sake or one of his cocktails.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Sam's sake story and why sakeSake in Birmingham and Shibuya UndergroundGrowth in sake in Birmingham and what holds it upSake preferences and trends in BirminghamFuture plansSake of the Episode: Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018Goodbyes and EndingKampai!Sake mentioned:Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeThe Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteShibuya UndergroundThe Pineapple Club Cocktail BarSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Noguchi Naohiko is a legend in the world of sake. He has been making sake since 1949 and is widely known as the God of Sake Brewing. After working at a number of breweries as a toji (master brewer) he now heads The Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute (NNSI) established in 2017 with the vision of passing Noguchi-Toji's skill, spirit and sake philosophy to a new generation of brewers.  At last, Noguchi sake is available in the UK thanks to Tengu Sake and its charismatic owner, Oliver Hilton-Johnson.  Oliver has already been on Sugidama Podcast two years ago in Episode 09. So we sat with him, tried three Noguchi sake and talked about the master, the brewery and the sake as well as about a few other things. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Who is Noguchi Naohiko, the God of Sake Brewing?Noguchi sake styleNoguchi Naohiko's philosophy of sake brewingSake 01: Junmai 2020Sake 02:  Yamahai Gohyakumangoku 2018Sake and beer, food and terroirSake 03: Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018What was our favourite sake of the evening?Kampai!Sake mentioned:Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Junmai 2020Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeSake mentioned:Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Gohyakumangoku 2018Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeSake mentioned:Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeThe Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The wait is over and Season 4 is on with a lot of interesting interviews, breweries overviews, tastings, special episodes and even a competition together with London Sake, which will be announced later.In this episode, I am talking to a bunch of very cool people I met at the British Sake Association Grand Tasting of Sake in October 2022. You will hear from Natalie from Kanpai London, Chie from Wakaze Sake,  Hiroyuki from Shirakabegura, Maria Laura from Tanaka 1789 X Chartier, Tony from VSF Wine Education, Peter McCombie MW, Michele Quarta from Gordon Ramsay, and Paul and Richard.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is the British Sake AssociationNatalie, Brewer at Kanpai LondonChie Nasu, Sales manager at Wakaze SakeHiroyuki Ito, General manager of Takara EuropeMaria Laura Ortiz, International Marketing and Sales Director at Tanaka 1789 X ChartierTony Yip, Director of VSF Wine EducationPeter McCombie, Master of WineMichele Quarta, Executive Bars Manager at Gordon Ramsay RestaurantsPaul and Richard, BSA membersKampai!Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Yay, it's been two years and three seasons of Sugidama Podcast! And this is the last episode of Season 3, where I share some observations from the IWC Sake judging this year and the Award Winning Sake Tasting at the Embassy of Japan followed after.During that tasting event, I took comments from my fellow judges, sake breweries and even from the Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom,  His Excellency  Hayashi Hajime. You will also hear Oliver Hilton-Johnson from Tengu Sake, who was in Episode 09, Marie Cheong-Thong, the Chairman of the British Sake Association, who was in Episode 32, Muneki Matsumoto, President and CEO of the Tosa Brewing Company, a maker of the famous Keigetsu sake, Tracey Delaney from The Sparkling Sake Brewery we talked with in Episode 28, and Robin Sola, the owner of the Sorakami Sake. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is IWC Sake and how judging is doneHow IWC this year is different from the last year judging amid the pandemicWhat is the IWC Award Winning Sake tastingIWC Award Winning Sake tasting in 2022Comments and observations from sake professionals and Ambassador Hayashi Hajime.Sake of the episode: Kamoizumi Junmai DaiginjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Kamoizumi Junmai DaiginjoKamoizumi BreweryLondon SakeInternational Wine Challenge (IWC)Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

This is the second interview, which concludes the Emergence of Sake series and highlights the modern sake trends. This time with Jim Rion and Andrew Russell from the super interesting and informative Sake Deep Dive podcast.  Andy has already been on Sugidama Podcast before passionately talking about sake yeast in Episode 19. He is a sake brewer at Imada Shuzo and the author of the Origin Sake blog. Jim is a freelance translator and writer working primarily in the tourism, sake, and entertainment fields. He is based in Japan in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Besides the podcast, Jim also publishes the Ochoko Time newsletter. Both Jim and Andy possess an enormous amount of sake knowledge. It was great fun to discuss with them what is cool in the sake world in Japan! Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Introduction and backgroundThe Sake Deep Dive PodcastFrom Kimoto to SokujoSake trends: Back to the RootsLow Polish RatioLower ABV SakeModern Juicy StyleThe Growth in Namazake ExportThe Emergence of New (Newish) Sake BreweriesFuture Trends Sake of the Episode: Kanenaka Kimoto Junmai (Jim) and Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai (Andy)Kampai!Sake mentioned:Kanenaka Kimoto JunmaiNakashimaya Sake BrewerySake Shoten Online Store Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri JunmaiMiyasaka Sake Brewery London SakeSake Deep Dive PodcastIntro musicLotus Lane by The Loyalist - Preconceived Notions Available at https://soundcloud.com/preconceived-notionsUnder a  Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lotus-laneMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/1YVHRMVwwHg Yamaguchi Sake + Ochoko Times (Jim Rion)Origin Sake (Andrew Russell)Discovering Yamaguchi Sake (Jim Rion's new book pre-order page)Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown

After concluding The Emergence of Sake series tracing the history of sake brewing from ancient times until the modern times,  I decided to follow it with two interviews highlighting the modern trends in sake making.And in this episode, I am talking to Tom Wilson, a master brewer and owner of the first UK sake brewery, Kanpai London. Kanpai represents a modern approach to sake brewing but follows the same philosophy as most brewers in Japan for hundreds of years: to make the best possible sake.This episode is my first experience of recording on-site as I went to visit the Kanpai Brewery and Tap Room and sat down with Tom to talk about and try his beautiful sake. I didn't mention it in the episode, but we were drinking the finished version of the same sake Marie Cheong-Thong was talking about two episodes back.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Introduction and backgroundMajor challenges for opening and running a brewery in the UKHow sake is made at Kanpai LondonThe first sake of the episode: Kanpai Kaze Junmai GinjoKanpai Brewery and Tap Room concept How does it feel to work as a family?Key points of Kanpai sake brewing and the Kanpai teamThe second sake of the episode: Kanpai Kura Junmai KoshuKanpai sake rangePlans for the future and kampai!Kampai!Kanpai London website:Kanpai LondonSake mentioned:Kanpai KAZE Junmai GinjoKanpai LondonKanpai KURA Junmai KoshuKanpai Online ShopKanpai SORA 'Sky' HonjozoKanpai Online ShopSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Last time we were talking about the Edo period, which brought many techniques and innovations into sake brewing resulting in better and more stable sake. But the real revolution in sake-making happened after the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate: during the Meiji era but particularly at the beginning of the 20th century. In this episode I am talking about huge changes in the sake industry, the foundation of the National Research Institute of Brewing and the development of yamahai and sokujo brewing methods.,Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:When sake first officially travelled to Europe and bottlingThe abolition of the Sakekabu systemThe development of sake riceNational Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB)Yamahai: no more rice poundingSokujo-moto: modern sake brewingOther sake developmentsSake of the episode: Daishichi Masakura Kimoto Junmai GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Daishichi Masakura Kimoto Junmai GinjoDaishichi BreweryJapan CentreThe Passionate Foodie: Saké in BottlesSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetla

Sake is not a very easy topic. If you want to understand it well, you need to do some studying. You can buy a book or two about sake (see Episode 12 Essential Books about Sake) and read them. You can go to sake events and probably join a sake promoting organisation such as the British Sake Association.  Finally, you can go to a sake course and get a sake qualification.And my guest for this episode is Marie Cheong-Thong, a certified WSET sake, wine and spirits educator, freelance writer and the Chairman of the British Sake Association among other titles, who is talking about all these options as well as about plenty of other sake related topics.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Introduction and backgroundMarie's sake aha momentBritish Sake AssociationSake education options: books and WSETSake education options: SSI, Sake School of America, Sake Sommelier Association and other optionsWho and why come to learn about sakeHow a sake course is organised, key topicsWhat to do after the graduationInterest in sake is growing everywhereSake of the episode: Kanpai NamazakeKampai!Marie's website:The Larder at 36British Sake AssociationKanpai Online StoreSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The Edo period for sake brewing was like the Victorian era for the industrial revolution. So many things that happened then still influence the drink now: from technological advances and new brewing techniques to the geography and taste. In this episode, we are looking at the evolution of sake during the Edo period and the emergence of kimoto as a dominating brewing method.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:The Edo period: setting up the sceneHow the centre of sake brewing moved from Kyoto to HyogoIkeda, Itami and NadagogoSakekabe: the end of year-round sake brewingTechnical advances of the Edo periodKimoto method: it's not only about yamaoroshiSake of the episode: Tamagawa 'Time Machine' Junmai Kimoto and Genroku ReduxKampai!Sake mentioned:Tamagawa 'Time Machine' Junmai KimotoKinoshita BreweryWorld Sake Import UKLondon SakeGenroku ReduxKonishi Brewery Online ShopTengu SakeSake Deep Drive: Kimoto: Raising Wee BeastiesSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

It's always exciting to read a new book about sake. There are not that many of them published outside Japan.  But the fact that this new book is written by two amazing authors and sake specialists Nancy Matsumoto, a renowned sake and food journalist and Michael Tremblay, Sake Samurai and sake educator, makes it even more thrilling.In this episode, I am talking with Nancy and Michael about their new book, Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: how they came up with the idea, what it is like writing a book together, the main concept, key points, the people they met and sake they drank.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Nancy's and Michael's sake storiesComing up with the idea for the bookWhat is it like to write a book together?The book's concept and structureSake vs Wine: TerroirKey points of the bookPeople and discoveriesLooking back: Do you remember your first sake?Sake of the episode: Sohomare Kimoto Tokubetsu Junmai & Sohomare Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo (Nancy) and Gozenshu 9 Junmai Usu-Nigori Bodaimoto (Michael) Kampai!Book:Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, EarthSake mentioned:Sohomare Sake Sohomare Sake BreweryWorld Sale Imports UK (importer)Kimoto Tokubetsu JunmaiThe Whiskey ExchangeKimoto Junmai DaiginjoSorakami Online StoreGozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori (Misty Mountain)Tengu SakeSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Soboshu, the sake brewed by monks played a very important role in the development of sake brewing techniques in medieval Japan. The monasteries possessed many key components necessary for successful sake-making: economic power, skilled labour force, scientific knowledge and strong political clout. However, it all was ended by Oda Nobunaga, who saw temples as a threat to his rule. One of the very significant inventions was bodaimoto, a brewing technique developed by the monks of the Shoryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Bodai in Nara, which opened the way to brewing sake in commercial qualities. I was also talking about bodaimoto in Episode 2 of the podcast. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Sake innovations by monksHow bodaimoto is madeKamakura period and Sake ProhibitionMuromachi periods: the start of the commercialisation of sake brewingSengoku Jidai: the end of soboshuEnd of the era and pre-Edo sakeSake of the episode: Gozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori Namazake Misty StreamKampai!Sake mentioned:Gozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori Namazake Misty StreamTsuji HontenTengu SakeSake Deep Drive Episode 2: Bodaimoto - Brewing at the Buddha's FootSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlanr 

The new interview with Naoki Toyota and Tracey Delaney from The Sparkling Sake Brewery based in Cambridgeshire. Inspired by nature, Naoki went to study sake brewing in Nara, the birthplace of Japanese sake. After returning to the UK, he went on the mission to create the sake, which would express the beauty of UK nature.  His collaboration with Tracey, who is a certified sake specialist has led to the creation of AWA, a beautiful sparkling sake made by a traditional fermentation in the bottle method in small batches, each being unique. You can read more about my impression of AWA in the post about sparkling sake. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Naoki's and Tracey's sake storiesWhat is sparkling sakeWhy make sparkling sake in the UK?Naoki's journey and challenges of setting up a sake brewery in the UKSake of the episode: AWA Sparkling SakeFood pairing and where to buyFuture plansKampai!Sake mentioned:AWA Sparkling SakeThe Sparkling Sake BrewerySorakami Online StoreSakaya (Pantechnicon Ground Floor Arcade)Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

I continue the mini-series about the emergence of sake with an episode about probably the major technological breakthrough in sake making: the use of koji, this amazing friendly microorganism, I was talking with Akemi Yokoyama about in Episode 16.  But what is the link between sake and the Imperial Court? And what is "soboshu", monk sake? Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:The appearance of koji in JapanKoji revolt in KyotoSake and the Imperial Court Soboshu: sake brewed by monksSake of the episode: Yoemon Tokubetsu Junmai Miyama NishikiKampai!Sake mentioned:Yoemon Tokubetsu Junmai Miyama NishikiList of Natural Natural stores (in-store only)NOMIKAI: The Sake Experience at HIS Japan Premium212 Shaftesbury Ave London WC2H 8EBTEL : 020-7484-3311Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlanr 

The first interview of Season 3: a conversation about a new Japanese sake and grocery store, HIS Japan Premium, with John Opondo, who is Managing Director of HIS Europe and Masahiro Tsuji, HIS Business Development Manager.John and Masahiro are telling a story of how a travel company decided to open a sake and grocery store in Central London during the COVID-19 pandemic. HIS Japan Premium has an excellent sake selection curated by Natsuki Kikuya, who was a guest of Sugidama Podcast in Episode 11.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Creation of HIS Japan Premium StoreWhat are the store's major revenue sourcesHIS Japan Premium's grocery and sake rangeThe store's philosophyInterconnection & World PeaceTsuji's and John's backgroundsHIS Japan Premium customersOpportunities and challengesSake of the episode: Shiramayumi Junmai Ginjo HidahomareKampai!Sake mentioned:Shiramayumi Junmai Ginjo HidahomareKaba ShuzoHIS Japan Premium Food & Travel (in-store only)NOMIKAI: The Sake Experience at HIS Japan Premium212 Shaftesbury Ave London WC2H 8EBTEL : 020-7484-3311Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

After a break Sugidama Podcast is back with a short series talking about the emergence of sake brewing methods from ancient times to our days. In this episode, we are talking about the roots of sake from how people discovered alcohol in the first place to ancient sake brewing technics used up to 800 CE using the archaeological evidence and Japanese myths and legends.Don't forget about our sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:The emergence of alcoholOrigin of Sake: theories and legendsKuchikamizake: an ancient sake brewing methodStorm God Susanoo and Yamata no OrochiHow ancient sake looked and tastedSake of episode: Jidai Yamahai Junmai GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Jidai Yamahai Junmai GinjoHayashi HontenTengu SakeSugidama Blog: Kanzake Time! The joys of warm sakeSugidama Blog: 5 great sake to drink warmSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

In the final episode of Season 2, I am talking to Andy Travers, the founder of London Sake, an online sake shop, and Sugidama Podcast's sponsor. We covered quite a lot of topics from the London Sake story, to the Olympics, bottle labels and managed to taste and discussed three excellent sake during our conversation. London Sake is an excellent online sake store and has one of the widest premium and craft sake selections available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Andy's sake journeyLondon Sake storyDassai 45Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu JunmaiSake bottle labelsWill the Tokyo Olympics boost sake sales outside Japan?London Sake customersShirakabegura Junmai DaiginjoThe art of selecting sakeLooking aheadSake of the episode: Shichiken Junmai DaiginjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Dassai 45 Junmai DaiginjoAsahi ShuzoLondon SakeNanbu Bijin Tokubetsu JunmaiNanbu Bijin BreweryLondon SakeShirakabegura Junmai DaiginjoShirakabegura BreweryLondon SakeShichiken Junmai DaiginjoShichiken  Sake BreweryLondon SakeSugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The fourth episode in the short Sake Focus series is about ginjo, premium and super-premium sake made from highly polished rice. The name comes from two Chinese characters and could be translated as "crafted or carefully brewing".  But there's much more in ginjo than just a high milling ratio.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is ginjo and its historyHow ginjo sake brewing is different from less polished sakeSkills, process, and ingredientsGrades and types of ginjo sakeWhen ginjo is not ginjo but tokubetsuHow to drink ginjo: temperature, food etc.Sake of the episode: Kanpai London Kaze Junmai GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Kanpai London Kaze Junmai GinjoKanpai London Sake BrewerySuper-flat Rice PolishingSugidama Blog: 5 Sake to drink in Summer 2021Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The third episode in the short Sake Focus series is about namazake, unpasteurised sake which is known for its unruly wild and lively character. Nama can be translated from Japanese as live, raw, fresh, or even natural. And it's all true about namazake. Listen to the episode to find out about different types of namazake including famous autumn sake called hiyaoroshi. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is namazakeTypes of namazake: namazake, namachozo, namazumeAutumn sake: Hiyaoroshi and Aki-AgariOther types of nama and not: Shiboritate, Kassei Seishu, ShinshuNama Genshu and Nama Genshu MurokaNamazake Character: aroma, taste, food pairingNamazake storage, how to buySake of the episode: Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu HonjozoKampai!Sake mentioned:Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu HonjozoKikusui Sake BreweryLondon SakeSugidama Blog: One cup to rule them all: 5 single-serving sake to trySugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple PodcastsMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The second episode in the short Sake Focus series is about nigori, which takes its origin from the ancient sacred drink called doburoku. Doburoku is the oldest method of sake brewing which survived more than a thousand years of history and is still around nowadays. Nigori is cloudy sake, where rice and yeast particles from fermentation left in the final product. Sometimes it's called unfiltered sake, but it's not correct. Listen to the episode to find out why. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is nigoriDoburoku: the origin of nigorizakeThe emergence of seishuReturn of nigoriTypes of nigoriNigori: taste and food pairingSake of the episode: Kamoizumi Summer Snow GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Kamoizumi Summer Snow GinjoKamoizumi Sake Brewery (no product information available)SorakamiMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Recently, I have spoken to one of my listeners, who praised this podcast for its wonderful content. “But you know”, he said. “Sake is a completely new thing for me and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information you put in each episode. Why don't you make them a bit easier to digest?” And he's absolutely right. So I decided to do a series of episodes focusing on one particular topic, I have mentioned before. And this time it's junmai/honjozo.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is junmaiHistory of adding alcohol to sakeJunmai is backHow to drink junmai (aroma, taste & food pairing)How to drink honjozo (aroma, taste & food pairing)Is junmai better than non-junmai?Sake of the episode Double bill: Urakasumi Honjozo and Urakasumi JunmaiKampai!Sake mentioned:Urakasumi Honjikomi HonjozoUrakasumi Sake BreweryLondon SakeUrakasumi Misty Bay JunmaiUrakasumi Sake BreweryLondon SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The conclusion of the Sake Ingredients mini-series with an interview with Andrew Russell about sake yeast, which he calls an unsung hero of sake brewing. Andrew moved to Japan from Scotland to pursue his interest in what he described as “a fascinating and multifaceted country” and fulfil his dream of becoming a sake brewer. He started working as kurabito, a sake brewery worker, first at a small brewery on the outskirts of Okayama prefecture and then at iconic Imada Shuzo, a sake brewery located in Hitroshima prefecture.Imada Shuzo is famous not only for its amazing sake Imada Fukucho, but also for its toji, Miho Imada, who has been recently named one of the 100 most influential women by BBC.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Andrew Russell: introduction and 3 memorable sakeKurabito's LifeRole of sake yeast in sake brewingIs sake yeast different from other yeasts?History of sake yeastHow yeast affects sakePopular and interesting sake yeastsFoamless yeastFuture development of sake yeastSake of the episode: Tamagawa 'Red Label' Yamahai Genshu JunmaiKampai!Sake mentioned:Tamagawa 'Red Label' Yamahai Genshu JunmaiKinoshita Sake BreweryLondon SakeAndrew RussellOrigin SakeImada Shuzo HontenImada Sake BreweryMiho ImadaMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

On a nice April morning, I've got a call from Rie Yoshitake, whom I know from numerous sake events.  "Alex, would you like to be a sake judge at IWC", she asked out of the blue. "Yes!", I replied without any hesitation. It was my dream for the last couple of years and now it's been fulfilled! Yay!In this episode, I am talking about the IWC (International Wine Challenge), how the judging happens, my personal experience and my takeaways from three days of intensive judging.  Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:What is IWC (International Wine Challenge)How I got into IWC judgingWhat is the IWC judging processMy personal judging experienceWhat I learnt during the IWC SakeMy sake discoveriesA little Q&ASake of the episode: Suigei Junmai Ginjo GinreiKampai!Sake mentioned:Suigei Junmai Ginjo GinreiSuigei Sake BreweryLondon SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

A great interview about sake, cooking, mirin and other things with Kinu Yukawa. She is a Japanese chef and cookery teacher from Kobe, Japan, currently based in London. She ventured into the world of food early in life and fostered the basics of cooking from her grandmother. Later she trained in French cuisine at Ecole Ritz Escoffier Paris and traditional Japanese cuisine in Kyoto.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Kinu Yukawa: introduction and the sake connectionSake in Japanese cookingIrisakeCooking vs Normal SakeMirinSake and food pairingSake of the episode: Kasumitsuru Kimoto JunmaiKampai!Sake mentioned:Kasumitsuru Kimoto JunmaiKasumitsuru Sake BreweryLondon SakeKinu YukawaDeliciously JapaneseMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Koji is a magical ingredient of sake. A tiny microorganism that turns starch into sugar and makes it possible to make this beautiful drink. It's a national benevolent mould of Japan, which appeared in the country more than a thousand years ago and responsible for a large part of Japanese cuisine.And to talk about koji I invited Akemi Yokoyama, who is a chef, cookery teacher, specialising in Japanese cuisine and a koji specialist, who knows so much about this beautiful creature, which she compared to a baby sea lion in this incredible interview! Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Akemi Yokoyama: introduction and the sake connectionWhat is koji: history and the importance in Japanese cuisineThe role of koji in sake making: types of koji, how it used and how koji affects sake tasteWhat is amazake and how to make itKoji and breadmakingWHy koji is so fascinating and where to learn more about itSake of the episode: Kuzuryu Daiginjo ‘Silk Dragon’Kampai!Sake mentioned:Kuzuryu Daiginjo ‘Silk Dragon’Kokuryu Sake BreweryNatural Natural Online StoreAkemi YokoyamaGohanBooks about kojiKoji for Life (Gohan website) The Noma Guide to Fermentation (Amazon UK)Koji Alchemy (Amazon UK)Music used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Rice is the essence of sake. It’s the source of alcohol and it gives sake its flavour, aroma, texture and character. It’s like grape to wine but slightly different. But rice is not the most suitable ingredient for an alcoholic beverage for one obvious reason: it does not have much sugar. But people found a way to turn starch which dominates the rice grain into sugar using koji and to make beautiful sake.In this episode, I am talking about the role of rice in sake making, how sake rice is different from table rice, sake rice varieties including Omachi, Yamada Nishiki, Gohyakumangoku, Miyama Nishiki and some others as well as what is red rice and why organic sake is rare.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Rice: the essence of sakeThe classification of rice varietiesTable rice vs. sake riceSake rice varietiesRed rice and Organic riceSake of the episode: Fukukomachi “Evening Sky” Junmai KarakuchiKampai!Sake mentioned:Fukukomachi “Evening Sky” Junmai KarakuchiKimura ShuzoTengu SakeOrigin SakeOmachi-mai: The Phantom Sake RiceMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The importance of water is difficult to overestimate. It’s second only to the brewer’s skill and as important as good rice and koji.  But honestly, given good water, a skilful toji can make excellent sake from even table rice. But I am not sure if even a genius of a toji can make a delicious sake from low-quality water. At least there is a quote in the excellent The Japanese Sake Bible by Brian Ashcraft when he asks Akira Tanaka, the director at Kinshi Masamune sake brewery if it’s possible to make good sake without good water: “Nope” he said promptly, “It’s impossible”.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:The importance of good waterWhat water is good?Discovery of MiyamizuSoft or hard water?Gokosui – the ancient soft waterSake of the episode: Hatsumago Densho Kimoto HonjozoKampai!Sake mentioned:Hatsumago Densho Kimoto HonjozoHatsumago Sake BreweryLondon SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Tip #1: Ask the staffTip #2: Ginjo and junmai food pairingTip #3: The type of sake will give you a hintTip #4: Check the priceTip #5: What the numbers on the label meanSake of the episode: Dewazakura Ichiro "Abbey Road" Junmai DaiginjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Dewazakura Ichiro "Abbey Road" Junmai DaiginjoDewazakura Sake BreweryLondon SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

There are plenty of books about wine or whiskey. You go to any bookshop and you can always find something. Unfortunately, there are actually not many English language books available about the beautiful drink of Japanese sake. Definitely more than 5 (I’ve got seven) but still probably fewer than 15. But the five books I am going to talk about are probably the must. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Books about sake in EnglishThe Sake Handbook by John Gauntner Sake Confidential by John GauntnerThe Book of Sake: A Connoisseur's Guide by Philip HarperThe Japanese Sake Bible by Brian AshcraftThe Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks by Stephen Lyman and Chris BuntingSake of the episode: Kubota Senju (Ginjo) Kampai!Sake mentioned:Kubota Senjyu GinjoAsahi Shuzo Sake Brewing CompanyLondon SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The origin of sake is covered in mystery. In order to get some clarity, I have spoken to Natsuki Kikuya, who is a certified sake and wine professional, educator and sake sommelier. She’s been a sake judge at the prestigious IWC Sake Category since 2011. In 2013, she launched “Museum of Sake” website, which she calls an intangible museum providing sake education, promoting the craft sake across the UK and Europe, organising sake events and many other exciting things. Coming from a family with sake connections, Natsuki knows a lot about sake: from ancient to the modern days, how sake has evolved during various periods of the Japanese history, how it tasted in the Edo period and when sake renaissance took place. Listen to the interview to find out about that and many other things.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Natsuki's sake storyBirth of Sake Why rice and what is kojiSake milestonesHow sake tasted during the Edo periodEmergence of breweriesSake and cultureSake RenaissanceSake tipSake of the episode: TETOTEKampai!Sake mentioned:TETOTETsuchida Sake BreweryPan-Techni'on Main WebsiteMuseum of SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Erika a sake and wine specialist and director of Moto London, a sake bar which opened in London Covent Garden just about a year ago. She is an amazing person and whom I have known for some time through my blog, Instagram and personally. The story of Moto is really fascinating. You can imagine what it means to open a bar and not just a bar but a sake bar three months before the UK went into a complete lockdown for more than 2 months and then again in November. But let’s listen to her story.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Erika's sake storySake and Wine Birth of Moto London: Concept, Name, LocationHighlights and plansMoto's customersImporting sakeA Woman in the Sake WorldSake tipsSake of the episode: Jokigen Junmai Daiginjo Dewasansan 40Kampai!Sake mentioned:Jokigen Junmai Daiginjo Dewasansan 40Moto LondonMoto London Main WebsiteMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Oliver Hilton-Johnson is a Sake Specialist and Director of Tengu Sake, a sake imports, wholesale & retail company. Tengu Sake supplies quality Japanese sake and spirits to some of the UK’s finest restaurants and bars and is the recipient of the International Wine Challenge’s ‘Sake Merchant of the Year’ award 2016 - 2019. In November 2019 Oliver was named as one of the ‘Future 50’ drinks industry professionals to watch. Oliver has got a fascinating story about how he went from hating sake to falling in love with it and setting up one of the best and innovative sake importers in the UK. I know Oliver from the Kikisakeshi Sake Specialist Course I took a few years ago where Satomi, whom I interviewed last time, and he were teaching us the art of sake. But you might have met him at one of many sake events in London before the current pandemic. So Oliver is a great guy and in the interview, he is talking about a lot very interesting stuff: how to drink sake, how to choose it and also provides very good sake tips. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Oliver's sake storySip or shot? Hot or cold?What food is great with sake?How to deal with the complex sake terminologyHow to buy sake with confidenceHow to store sake properlySake tipsSake of the episode: Tatenokawa Phoenix Junmai DaiginjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Tatenokawa Phoenix Junmai DaiginjoTatenokawa Sake BreweryTengu SakeTengu Sake Main WebsiteMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The second part of the exciting two-parter about how sake is made. I never stop admiring the skill and craftmanship of sake brewers. They manage to create a beautiful drink from rice and water. In this episode we continue exploring the sake brewing process learning about sandan jikomi, multiple parallel fermentation, pressing and post-production. Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone.Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:Recap from the previous episodeSandan JikomiMultiple Parallel FermentationWhy open tanks?Sake pressingPreparing sake for bottling (post-production)Sake of the episode: London Kanpai Taru Barrel-Aged JunmaiKampai!Sake mentioned:Taru Barrel-Aged JunmaiKanpai LondonLondon SakeEpisode DictionaryMoto/Shubo (酛/酒母) - yeast starterSandan Jikomi (三段仕込) - a three-stage mixing process of sake fermentation mashMoromi (醪) - sake fermentation mashHatsuzoe/soe (初添/添) - Day 1 of Sandan JikomiOdori (踊り) - Day 2 of Sandan Jikomi (resting day)Nakazoe/naka (仲添/仲) - Day 3 of Sandan JikomiTomezoe/Tome (留添/留) - Day 4 of Sandan JikomiFune (槽) - sake pressArabashiri (荒走り) - rough runNakadori/Nakagumi (中取り/中汲み) - mid run in sake pressingSeme (責め) - the final run in sake pressingFukuro-tsuri (袋吊り) - hanging cotton bagsShizuku-zake (雫酒) - drip sakeTobingakoi (斗瓶囲い) - a special 18-litre sake bottle Sake kasu (酒粕) - sake lees, a by-product of sake pressingOribiki (おり) - rice sedimentRoka ( ろ過) - filteringChozo (貯蔵) - sake maturationChougu (調合) - blendingWarimizu - (割水) - diluting sake with waterMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Satomi Dosseur is a sake professional and educator, a founder of Enshu Limited, which runs a great and very interesting sake specialist course (Kikisake-shi) in London, which I took a few years ago. Satomi can talk hours about sake and is very good at encouraging people to try it and enjoy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Satomi grew up with a deep understanding and love of Japan’s exceptional culture. She was taught by her Japanese parents to appreciate and love the diverse uniqueness of Japan’s way of life.With certification from the SSI, and completion of the Japan Sake Brewers Association’s technical Sake making course, Satomi continues to be recognised as a leading Kikisake-shi and Shochu Kikisake-shi professional.Don't forget, Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone. Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.Episode's Content:How to order sakeSake and foodSake as digestiveSake tipsSake of the episode: Nishinoseki Cube Honjozo GenshuKampai!Sake mentioned:Nishinoseki Cube Honjozo GenshuKayashima Sake BreweryLondon SakeEnshu Limited (Kikisake-shi)Music used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

Great news! Sugidama Podcast now has a sponsor, London Sake, an excellent online sake store. London Sake has one of the widest selections of premium and craft sake available online today. They deliver across the UK and Europe, and with over 100 sake from 25 breweries, there really is something for everyone. Using simple online tasting notes and sensible, affordable food pairings they help you find the perfect sake without any of the fuss. Listeners of the podcast can get a 10% discount Listen to the episode to get the magical code! London Sake: making sake simple.There is something magical in sake brewing. Sake is a process-driven drink compared to wine which is driven but its main ingredient, grapes. While ingredients play a very important role in sake brewing, 80% of sake quality still comes from the skill of the brewer and only 20% from the ingredients used.Episode's Content:Main stages of sake brewingThe choices made before brewingRice preparationMaking rice kojiSake starter: shubo or motoSake of the episode: Narutotai Ginjo Nama GenshuKampai!Sake mentioned:Narutotai Ginjo Nama GenshuHonke Matsuura BreweryLondon SakeKanpai London BreweryArticle about sake yeastSake Yeast from Origin SakeMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

A lot of people often ask me why sake. They are usually quite intrigued. I’m not Japanese (they don’t know that sake in Japan is not that popular these days), I’ve never lived in Japan (only visited two times as a tourist), my wife is not Japanese (again, another thing that could link me to the drink, don’t know why). I wouldn’t say that I fell in love with sake at the first sight or shall I say sip. For a long time, my drink of choice was wine or beer. I love German Riesling, I enjoyed French and Italian wines when we were going on holiday there. I like beer. Before my I breakthrough with sake a few years ago, I had tried sake a couple of times and it was ok but nothing to write home about. Then one day I’ve got an email from a good friend of mine, who is also fascinated by Japan, inviting me to a sake tasting. Episode's Content:How I learnt about sake and why I love itPeople of sakeThe history behind every breweryBottles and labelsSake in Japanese culture and artSake and culinarySocial drink: pouring for each otherSake of the episode: DassaiKampai!Sake mentioned:Dassai 45Dassai 39Dassai 23Dassai BeyondAsahi ShuzoSugidama BlogMusic used:Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

The process of making sake is really exciting! There are several sake brewing methods: three main ones, kimoto, yamahai and sokujo (or sokujo-moto) and another one, bodaimoto, which is even older but has been rediscovered only recently. Sake taste profile depends to a certain extent on the method used to make it. So if you know what each method means, you can make a better choice of sake.All the methods differ by the way, the starter is created. In kimoto, the starter is churned for hours with special poles to turn it into a mush. Yamahai was invented after the kimoto and got rid of this churning. While sokujo-moto slashed the production process by two whole weeks and produced clearer and more refined sake. Bodaimoto, is a very ancient sake brewing method invented by Nara monks around the 12-14th century and was superseded by kimoto.Episode's Content:What is shubo (moto)?Acidic environmentKimotoYamahaiSokujo-motoBodaimoto and its rediscoveryHow sake made with different methods tasteSake of the episode: Gozenshu 1859 Prototype Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Nakadori BodaimotoKampai!Sake mentioned:Gozenshu 1859 PrototypeTengu SakeSugidama BlogTengu Sake: A Look at Bodaimoto StartersMusic used: Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Vocal: Svetlana

While sake has a milder taste compared to wine, it's diversity is astounding. You not only have sake grades or styles which have their own flavour profiles but also sake types, which add another dimension to the sake universe. Nigori, namazake, koshu, all these words mean variations in brewing technics adding unique characteristics to sake. If you know what these names mean, you can better choose sake for your meal or an occasion. The long names of sake, which sounded like spells from old fairy tales, will suddenly acquire meaning: try Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Nama or Nigori Junmai Genshu for example and see if you can decipher them after listening to this episode.Episode's Content:NigoriMurokaNamazakeGenshuTaruzakeKoshuSparkling sakeSake of the Episode: “Arabashiri” First Run Nama GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned:Tamagawa Yamahai Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu “Red Label”World Sake Imports UKVSF WineSorakamiArabashiri First Run Junmai Ginjo Nama GenshuMiyasaka BreweryWorld Sake Imports UKThe Whisky ExchangeBottle ApostolMusic used: Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKazhttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Junmai, honjozo, ginjo, daiginjo... What do all these strange words mean? Do we have to know them to enjoy sake? It will definitely help you to identify the sake types you like, to understand a difference between these incomprehensible sake bottles in a shop or exotic sake names on a wine-list, to decide what sake you should choose for a particular meal, or whether you need to pop the bottle in the fridge before drinking or it’s fine as it is and so on.So let me be your guide in this vast and strange sake universe and you can decide for yourself whether you want to remember all this sake mumbo jumbo or just go easy and enjoy the drink. Episode's Content:Variety of SakeHistory of sake classificationCurrent sake classification criteriaFutsushuWhy do brewers add distilled alcohol?Premium/Special designation sakePremium sake is not always betterSake of the Episode: Dewazakura Oka GinjoKampai!Sake mentioned in the episode:Dewazakura Oka GinjoDewazakura BreweryWorld Sake Imports UKThe Whisky Exchange SorakamiMusic used: Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKazhttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Welcome to the first episode of Sugidama Podcast, the podcast about Japanese sake, the amazing drink, I am madly in love with, profoundly fascinated by and eager to tell you about!Sake is a mysterious drink for the Western audience. Many heard but only a few have tried. As any mysterious object, it’s surrounded by myths and legends. Some of them are completely false and others have some truth in them. Before I started my sake journey I also had many misconceptions about it. So I would like to share some of the most common myths and bust them here. Or see if there is any truth in them.In Japanese “sugidama” means a ball made of cedar twigs and it’s a symbol of a sake brewery. In old times a sugidama was usually hung in front of the brewery at the beginning of the brewing season and the locals knew that when it turned brown, the sake was ready and they could head for the brewery for a nice drink. So every time you listen to my podcast or read my blog, why not to have a sip of sake!Episode Contents:Sake: what's in the name: sake vs. nihonshuOrigin of sakeMyth 01: Sake is a spiritMyth 02: Sake is rice wineMyth 03: Sake is always drunk warmMyth 04: Sake is good only with Japanese foodMyth 05: Premium sake is always betterSake of the Episode: Keigetsu Nigori Junmai DaiginjoSake mentioned in the episode:Keigetsu Nigori Junmai DaiginjoKeigetsu Tosa Brewing Company (in Japanese)Hedonism WinesMusic used: Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKazhttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/