Sugidama Sake 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 shopA 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 SakeNoguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Gohyakumangoku 2018Noguchi Naohiko Sake InstituteTengu SakeNoguchi 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: Svetlana

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