The Izakaya Happy Hour

Join hosts Samuel Boulton and guest Sam Chatterji for the second half of our special Moutai series. Following Sam C's recent win at the UKBG Moutai Expedition Cocktail Competition, we travelled to Moutai Town, China, with Joyce Linn of Jazz Trading, and Kweichow Moutai.In this episode, we go beyond the headlines and explore the fascinating world of sauce aroma baijiu, China’s most celebrated spirit. We break down what makes it unique, how it’s produced, and why it’s so important culturally and historically. Expect insights, stories from our trip, and plenty of flavourful conversation.This trip was made possible with support from Jazz Trading UK (https://www.jazztradinglondonltd.com), UKBG, and Kweichow Moutai.Disclaimer: We had a small issue with Samuel’s mic in this recording, so the audio is slightly lower quality than usual.

Episode 16: Samuel Boulton Chats with Brandon Doughan of Brooklyn KuraIn this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton sits down with Brandon Doughan of Brooklyn Kura.Brandon shares his journey into the art of sake brewing, from learning the craft to helping shape Brooklyn Kura into the vibrant brewery it is today. Sam and Brandon also dive into the future of sake in America, discussing trends, challenges, and the exciting potential of the growing market.Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or just curious, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and inspiration from Brooklyn’s leading sake makers.Disclaimer: Due to technical issues on our end, this episode was recorded with slightly lower audio quality than usual, but the conversation was too good not to share!

🎙️ Cam & Sam Talks — Episode 3 GraftingIn this episode of Cam & Sam Talks, things get a little real and a little ridiculous as Cam and Sam dive into the world of working in a Japanese sake brewery 🍶🏭Camilla shares stories from her time living and working at a brewery, including an unforgettable (and slightly dramatic) medical emergency that happened mid-brew 👀Meanwhile, Sam reflects on whether he’d ever take the plunge and work in a brewery himself and what holds him back.A candid, funny, and thoughtful episode for anyone curious about the reality of working in Japan’s sake industry.

Join hosts Samuel Boulton and guest Sam Chatterji for a 2 part talk about something non-japanese! In this episode, we celebrate Sam’s recent win at the UKBG Moutai Expedition Cocktail Competition, where he secured 1st place. The cocktail and we discuss our recent travels to Moutai Town, China, to explore the home of sauce aroma baijiu. This trip was generally generously supported by Jazz Trading UK as well as UKBG and Kweichow Moutai.Disclaimer: We had a small issue with our host Samuel’s mic in this episode, so please excuse the lower audio quality than usual.

In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton sits down with sake translator and educator Arline Lyons, and sake importer and educator Erika Haigh, to explore the world of sake and shochu courses.Together, they share their must-do courses, what you can expect to learn, and their personal opinions on where to start if you’re considering formal education in sake or shochu. From beginner-friendly introductions to more advanced certifications, this conversation lays out the pathways available for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge.This episode sets the stage for a follow-up where we’ll break down each course in detail, from content to pricing and beyond. So you can find the right fit for your journey.Whether you’re a drinks professional, a brewer, or simply passionate about Japanese beverages, this discussion is packed with insights to help you navigate the world of sake and shochu learning.Join the Conversation:Have you taken a sake or shochu course? Which one helped you the most? Let us know on social @theizakayahappyhour or drop us a message!

In this tasty little episode of Cam & Sam Talks, Camilla gets her first spoonfuls of Gelato San, Sam’s brand new Japanese-inspired ice cream ! 🍨🇯🇵Tune in as Cam blind-tastes a range of unique flavours, reacts in real-time, and the duo chats about:​ What makes Gelato San different​ Flavour inspiration from Japanese sweets and culture​ The magic (and madness) of launching a new food brandShort and sweet, this episode is a must-listen for foodies, Japan lovers, and anyone who’s curious about creative small-batch desserts.

Episode 1 - Cam & Sam Talks Holidays!Welcome to the very first episode of Cam & Sam Talks a new mini-series from The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast.In these shorter, 20-ish minute episodes, your hosts Camilla Bonnannini and Samuel Boulton catch up on all things they love: Japanese food, drink, culture, travel, news… or just whatever’s on their minds.This time? It’s all about Japan travel plans! Both Sam and Cam are heading to Japan later this year with their partners, who’ll be experiencing the country for the first time.In this relaxed, personal chat, they discuss: • The cities they’re planning to visit • Sake breweries at the top of their lists • What their partners are most excited about • Bars spots they can’t wait to visit or try for the first time • How it feels to return to Japan with fresh eyes, and new companyIf you’re planning your first (or next!) Japan trip, love sake, or just enjoy travel talk with good vibes, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, hosts Samuel Boulton and Camilla Bonnannini are joined by special guest Adam Smith-Hopesdale, a devoted fan of Japanese sake, though not a professional in the industry.Together, they dive into an insightful conversation about how Japanese sake is perceived, marketed, and ultimately sold outside Japan. With Sam and Camilla offering expertise from within the industry, and Adam providing a candid consumer perspective, this episode bridges both sides of the market to uncover what really works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to promoting sake globally.Whether you’re in the drinks trade, a sake brewer, or just curious about the sake scene, this episode is packed with ideas, opinions, and practical takeaways.Join the Conversation:What’s your experience selling or discovering sake? Let us know on social @theizakayahappyhour or drop us a message!

The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast – Episode 13: Fun & Novelty Packaging in the Sake Industry Welcome back to The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast! In this episode, hosts Samuel Boulton (@boultononbooze), Arline Lyons (@tastetranslation), and Sarah Stewart (@sakestudies) dive into the wild and wonderful world of fun and novelty packaging in the sake industry. From anime collaborations to seasonal releases and zodiac-themed bottles, sake makers are constantly coming up with creative ways to capture our attention—and our taste buds! What’s in this episode? 🍶 Attack on Titan sake?! – How anime collaborations are bringing new fans to the world of sake. 🍶 The “Fu Fighters” effect – When bands, brands, and brewers join forces for unique releases. 🍶 Seasonal and zodiac sake – Limited-edition designs for the Lunar New Year and beyond. 🍶 Sake for spectacle wearers – A quirky concept where only those with glasses can enjoy the drink. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast, a packaging design lover, or just here for the offbeat finds, this episode is packed with unique bottles, clever marketing, and unexpected collaborations. Grab your favorite sake and join us for another round of Izakaya Happy Hour! Kanpai! 🥂 🎧 Listen now and follow us for more: 📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze 📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslations 📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

Meet The Team with Samuel Boulton 🎙️🍸In this special episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast, we switch things up as Erika Haigh takes the hosting spot to interview our regular host, Samuel Boulton! 🍶✨Samuel Boulton is one of the leading drinks developers, bartenders, and consultants in the UK. Himself and his bars have received multiple accolades from prestigious organisations such as CLASS, Imbibe, Drinks Trust, Healthy Hospo, and the renowned Tales of the Cocktail. Currently, Sam works as a consultant specialising in Japanese drinks, collaborating with both local and global bars and brands.As the founder of The Sake Events Company, the UK’s largest sake-focused event company, Sam’s putting sake on the map in the UK. In addition to his work in the drinks space, Sam is also an author. His first book, The Vermouth Ambassadors Guide to Modern Drinking (2021), explored the modern world of vermouth, and his latest release, The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails (2023), brings new insight into the use of Sake & Shochu in cocktail creation.In this episode, Erika delves into Sam’s journey, from bartender to drinks consultant and author. They discuss his love for Japanese beverages, the growing sake scene in the UK, and the creative process behind his thinking. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or just curious about the world of cocktails, this episode is packed with inspiration and expert insights! 🍸✨Books:• The Vermouth Ambassadors Guide to Modern Drinking (2021)• The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails (2023)Samuel’s Businesses:• The Sake Events Company• Kokushu Creative - www.kokushu.infoSocialInstagram: @Boultononbooze

🎙️ Breaking News Special!Join host Samuel Boulton as he sits down with expert Arline Lyons for a momentous episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour. Today, December 5, we celebrate the Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-Making with Koji Mold being officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.Together, Samuel and Arline explore what this means for sake and us as educators.Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or curious about cultural heritage, tune in now and raise a glass to history in the making! 🍶✨

🎙️🍶 Sparkling Sake? With Martin Litt 🇯🇵✨In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton is joined by co-hosts Erika Haigh, Sarah Stewart, and Camilla Bonnannini for an exciting deep dive into the world of sparkling sake! We’re thrilled to welcome special guest Martin Litt, a wine specialist who’s new to sake, as he shares his unique perspective on the vibrant flavors and versatility of sparkling sake. 🍾✨Together, the panel discusses the expanding market for sparkling sake, its similarities and differences to traditional sparkling wines, and the ideal occasions for enjoying these effervescent beverages. Tune in to hear insider tips on pairing sparkling sake with food, creative cocktail ideas, and recommendations for both beginners and connoisseurs alike! 🥂🍶Products Mentioned • Bullet for My Valentine Mead • Mio • Akashi-Tai Sparkling • Shichiken Sparkling • John by Kaigetsu • The Sparkling Sake Company • Yonetsuru Rosé Sparkling • Odayaka Sparkling • Chikuha Binnai Koh Hakko Junmai • Alain Ducasse Sparkling by Shichiken • Mutsu Hassen Sparkling Sake • Aramasa💡 Links and Resources: • ⁠The Sparkling Sake Company⁠ • ⁠Akashi-Tai⁠ • ⁠Yonetsuru⁠ • ⁠Shichiken⁠Be sure to join us for this fun and informative episode, perfect for anyone curious about sake or looking to discover their next favorite sparkling drink! 🍾

Meet the Team: Erika Haigh 🎙️🍶In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast, we’re delighted to introduce Erika Haigh, a key figure in the world of sake education and Japanese drinking culture. Born and raised in Japan, Erika’s love for sake has taken her across the globe, and she now calls London home. As an international kikisake-shi sommelier (SSI), Erika is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and complexity of Japanese sake to the world.Erika is the founder of Mai, a boutique Japanese fine sake merchant, and co-owner of Moto, the UK’s first independent Japanese sake bar, shop, and eatery. She holds WSET Level 3 qualifications in both wine and sake, and serves as a sake judge in the prestigious International Wine Challenge. In addition to her roles in the UK, Erika is a committee member for the British Sake Association and advises on sake projects for companies in both Japan and the UK.Tune in to hear Erika’s incredible journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s contributing to the growth of sake culture in the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned sake fan or just curious about the world of Japanese drinks, Erika’s insights are a must-listen!Bottles Mentioned:Summer Eikun 🍶 - https://www.maisake.com/shop/p/summer-eikunErika’s Businesses:Mai Sake - https://www.maisake.com/Moto - https://motoldn.com/Social MediaInstagram: @_erikahaigh

🎙️🍶 The State of Japanese Shochu with Special Guest Christopher Pellegrini Part 2 🇯🇵✨ In our latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome industry expert and Shochu ambassador Christopher Pellegrini! 🌟 Christopher, the founder of Honkaku Spirits and a certified Shochu sommelier, joins us to dive deep into the current state of Japanese Shochu and explore its future in the global market. 🍶🌍 With years of experience advocating for this traditional Japanese spirit, Christopher shares his insights on Shochu’s growing international presence and its potential to transform the cocktail scene. Joining Christopher is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, Arline Lyons and Camilla Bonnannini as they discuss trends, challenges, and exciting opportunities for Shochu lovers and bartenders alike. Whether you’re new to Shochu or a seasoned fan, this episode is packed with expert tips, market insights, and ideas for mixing Shochu into your favorite drinks. 🍸🍹 Tune in to learn more about Shochu’s unique qualities, its cultural significance, and how it’s poised to make a big splash in the world of spirits! 🎧🍶

🎙️🍶 The State of Japanese Shochu with Special Guest Christopher Pellegrini 🇯🇵✨ In our latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome industry expert and Shochu ambassador Christopher Pellegrini! 🌟 Christopher, the founder of Honkaku Spirits and a certified Shochu sommelier, joins us to dive deep into the current state of Japanese Shochu and explore its future in the global market. 🍶🌍 With years of experience advocating for this traditional Japanese spirit, Christopher shares his insights on Shochu’s growing international presence and its potential to transform the cocktail scene. Joining Christopher is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, Arline Lyons and Camilla Bonnannini as they discuss trends, challenges, and exciting opportunities for Shochu lovers and bartenders alike. Whether you’re new to Shochu or a seasoned fan, this episode is packed with expert tips, market insights, and ideas for mixing Shochu into your favorite drinks. 🍸🍹 Tune in to learn more about Shochu’s unique qualities, its cultural significance, and how it’s poised to make a big splash in the world of spirits! 🎧🍶

Welcome to the next mini episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Sarah Stewart, a key member of our team and a true expert in the world of all things Japanese drinks. With nearly 20 years of experience in Japanese tea, Sarah’s entry into the sake world in 2019 has quickly established her as one of the leading experts in Europe and she is now a WSET Certified Sake Educator and head of sake programming at West London Wine School as well as one of the three global instructors for the Sake Scholar Course. Her passion for knowledge and her keen eye for detail have earned her recognition throughout the industry, as well as admiration from her fellow podcast co-hosts. Join us as we explore Sarah’s journey from tea to sake, and discover how her expertise in one beverage has enhanced her appreciation for the other. Whether you’re a Japanese tea connoisseur, sake enthusiast, or just love learning from passionate experts, Sarah’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for an enlightening episode filled with knowledge, enthusiasm, and plenty of interesting stories!

🎙️🍶 Exploring Shochu in Mixed Drinks with Jane Nam 🇯🇵✨In the latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re excited to welcome special guest Jane Nam! 🌟 Jane is a talented bartender from NYC with a background in cooking, now working at two top bars in the city. She’s on a mission to spread the word about Shochu, collaborating with Honkaku Spirits to introduce this amazing Japanese spirit to New Yorkers. 🍸🍶Joining Jane is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, and regular guest Sarah Stewart, a passionate Shochu cocktail enthusiast. Together, they explore the major categories of Shochu and share insider tips on how to mix them into delicious cocktails, perfect for both beginners and seasoned Shochu lovers! 🍶🍹Brands MentionedKoji Whisky - Takamine 8 yearIichiko Mugi Shochu Daiyame (lychee heavy Shochu)Kimura Shuzo Daiginjo Kasutori Aokage Mugi ShochuLento Kokuto ShochuChinola Passionfruit LiqueurBars MentionedMoto (London)Agency of Record (NYC)Shinglish (NYC)The Pineapple Club (Birmingham)💡 Links and Resources:​ ⁠Honkaku Spirits⁠​ The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails by Samuel Boulton​ The Shochu Handbook by Christopher Pellegrini

🎙️🍶 Exploring Shochu in Mixed Drinks with Jane Nam 🇯🇵✨ In the latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re excited to welcome special guest Jane Nam! 🌟 Jane is a talented bartender from NYC with a background in cooking, now working at two top bars in the city. She’s on a mission to spread the word about Shochu, collaborating with Honkaku Spirits to introduce this amazing Japanese spirit to New Yorkers. 🍸🍶 Joining Jane is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, and regular guest Sarah Stewart, a passionate Shochu cocktail enthusiast. Together, they explore the major categories of Shochu and share insider tips on how to mix them into delicious cocktails, perfect for both beginners and seasoned Shochu lovers! 🍶🍹 Brands Mentioned Koji Whisky - Takamine 8 year Iichiko Mugi Shochu  Daiyame (lychee heavy Shochu) Kimura Shuzo Daiginjo Kasutori Aokage Mugi Shochu Lento Kokuto Shochu Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur Bars Mentioned Moto (London) Agency of Record (NYC) Shinglish (NYC) The Pineapple Club (Birmingham) 💡 Links and Resources: • Honkaku Spirits • The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails by Samuel Boulton • The Shochu Handbook by Christopher Pellegrini

Welcome to the next mini episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast! In this episode, we introduce you to Arline Lyons, an integral member of our team. Originally from Ireland, Arline stumbled upon her passion for sake through her work as a Japanese to English translator. What began as translating wine texts soon evolved into a deep love for nihonshu, fueled by the passionate people she met in the sake industry. Join us as we explore Arline’s journey from translation to becoming a key figure in the sake world, hosting events and sharing lesser-known stories through her sake news newsletter. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese beverages, Arline’s story will captivate and enlighten you. Tune in and immerse yourself in the world of sake with us!

In the second episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton explores sake tourism in the Hyogo and Osaka areas with regular host, Arline Lyons and special guest Andrew Russell. Andrew is a Kurabito at Kenbishi Brewery in Nada. Andrew, who also runs Sake Origin Tours, shares his insider knowledge on the region’s rich sake culture. Tune in to discover the unique experiences and hidden gems that make sake tourism in these areas a must for any enthusiast.