Sugidama Sake Podcast

Ep. 49: How to Enjoy Sake: Easy Buying Guide

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

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 idea
Where 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 Ginjo

Kampai!

Sake of the episode:
Kamoizumi “Red Maple” 2-Year Aged Nama Genshu Ginjo
Kamoizumi Shuzo
World Sake Imports UK
London Sake

Red Maple Full Review
Sugidama Blog

Sake & Pintxos Discovery Night

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-n

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.

Ep. 48: Shochu Advisor Course Overview

Thu, 04 May 2023 18:00:00 +0100

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 School
Why did I decide to get a Shochu Advisor Diploma?
The Shochu Advisor course content
The shochu tasting part of the course
Final Thoughts
Sake of the episode: Takara Towari Soba Shochu

Kampai!

Shochu mentioned:
Takara Towari Soba Shochu
Takara USA
Yutaka

The Sake School of America

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 47: Sake Around the World. Sake in Manchester with Jamie Ryder (Yamato Magazine)

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0100

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 drink
- preferences
- trends
- prospects of a local brewery
Sake game
Future plans
Sake of the episode: Ozeki Hana Awaka Sparkling

Kampai!

Sake mentioned:
Ozeki Hana Awaka
Ozeki website
Oriental Mart

The Akashi Sake Brewery

Kokuryu Black Dragon Junmai Ginjo
Kokuryu Sake Brewery
Sorakami

Yamato Magazine
Drink To That, a weekly newsletter
Transmutations: A Collection of Short Stories

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 46: Brewery Focus. Kuheiji Honten with Japan Centre

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0100

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 Hiro
Japan Centre
Kuheiji sake brewery
Sake 01: Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Fukuji 2019 Junmai Daiginjo
Sake 02: Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Tako 2020 Junmai Daiginjo
Sake 03: Kamoshibito Kuheiji Hi No Kishi Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Kuheiji terroir
Future plans and Goodbyes

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Fukuji 2019 Junmai Daiginjo
Kuheiji Honten
Japan Centre

Kuno Kuheiji Kurodashocho Tako 2020 Junmai Daiginjo
Kuheiji Honten
Japan Centre

Kamoshibito Kuheiji Hi No Kishi Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Kuheiji Honten
Japan Centre

Kuheiji Sake Brewery

Japan Centre

Sake Deep Dive Terroir Episode 1 and Episode 2

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 45: Sake Around the World. Sake in France with Tony Yip

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 food
Where do people usually buy and drink sake in Paris
What kind of sake do French drinkers prefer?
Sake in a wine-drinking country
Sake trends in France
Local French sake
Sake of the episode: Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Aiyama 2018

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Aiyama 2018
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Tengu Sake

VSF Wine Education

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 44: Discovering Yamaguchi Sake with Jim Rion

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 book
Yamaguchi sake breweries. Why is Dassai the first on the list?
Yamaguchi terroir: does it exist?
Market savvy: sake marketing and branding
Connections sections of the book
People stories: who makes sake in Yamaguchi
Why ask toji for sake recommendations?
What is so cool about Yamaguchi sake
Discoveries during the writing of the book
Future of Yamaguchi sake
Visiting Yamaguchi
Future plans
Sake of the episode:
- Horie Kinsuzume Junmai Ginjo Yamahai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Horie Kinsuzume Junmai Ginjo Yamahai
Yamaguchi Sake

Where 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 Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 43: Sake Around the World. New York with Sake Revolution, Timothy Sullivan and John Puma

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 market
Sake in the US: growth, top states etc.
Where to drink and buy sake in New York
Sake consumer awareness and what sake is popular in the US
The US jizake: local sake breweries in the US
Future trends and observations
Sake 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
Hakkaisan
Sorakami

Brooklyn Kura Number Fourteen
Brooklyn Kura

Sake Revolution Podcast
Urban Sake
The Sake Notes

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 42: Brewery Focus. Niida Honke with Sake Collective

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 Collective
Niida Honke Sake Brewery
Sake 01: Kaoruyama Junmai
Sake 02: Shizenshu Kan Atsurae
Sake 03: Shizenshu Junmai Ginjo
Sake 04: Shizenshu Nigori
Conclusions and Goodbyes

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kaoruyama Junmai
Niida Honke
Sake Collective

Shizenshu Kan Atsurae
Niida Honke
Sake Collective

Shizenshu Junmai Ginjo
Niida Honke
Sake Collective

Shizenshu Nigori
Niida Honke
Sake Collective

Niida Honke Sake Brewery

Sake Collective UK

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 41 Sake Around the World: Sake in Hong Kong with Eric Fung and Will Jarvis

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 sake
The city has low import tariffs, which also makes it a re-export market
Hong Kong is a hub for wine trading at a commercial scale
Hong Kong is seen as the gateway to China

Eric 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 UK
Where do people buy and drink sake in Hong Kong
Sake consumer trends in Hong Kong
Seasonal sake in Hong Kong
Sake promotion and marketing in Hong Kong
Are there any local sake breweries in Hong Kong?
Future plans
Sake recommendations
Goodbyes and Ending

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Miyoshi Blue Junmai Ginjo
Abunotusuru Sake Brewery
Flavour of Life

Breweries mentioned by Will:
Kamoizumi Shuzo
Zenkuro Sake
Daimon Brewery
Otokoyama Sake Brewery

Discovering Yamaguchi Sake by Jim Rion

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 40: Brewery Focus. Tedorigawa Sake with World Sake Imports UK

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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 Sake
Sake 01: Tedorigawa “U” Junmai Yamahai
Sake 02: Tedorigawa “Yamahai Junmai”
Sake 03: Tedorigawa “Kinka”
Conclusions
Tedorigawa and Sustainability
The Birth of Sake and Goodbyes

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Tedorigawa “U” Junmai Yamahai
World Sake Imports UK

Tedorigawa Yamahai Junmai
Tedorigawa Sake (Yoshida Brewery)
World Sake Imports UK

Tedorigawa “Kinka”
World Sake Imports UK

Tedorigawa Sake (Yoshida Sake Brewery)

World Sake Imports UK

The Birth of Sake

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 39 Sake Around the World: Sake in Birmingham with Sam Boulton

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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 Drinking

He 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 sake
Sake in Birmingham and Shibuya Underground
Growth in sake in Birmingham and what holds it up
Sake preferences and trends in Birmingham
Future plans
Sake of the Episode: Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018
Goodbyes and Ending

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Tengu Sake

The Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

Shibuya Underground

The Pineapple Club Cocktail Bar

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 38: Brewery Focus. Noguchi Sake Institute with Tengu Sake

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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 style
Noguchi Naohiko's philosophy of sake brewing
Sake 01: Junmai 2020
Sake 02: Yamahai Gohyakumangoku 2018
Sake and beer, food and terroir
Sake 03: Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018
What was our favourite sake of the evening?

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Junmai 2020
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Tengu Sake

Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Gohyakumangoku 2018
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Tengu Sake

Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Yamahai Miyama Nishiki 2018
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Tengu Sake

The Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 37: The start of Season 4 and BSA Grand Tasting

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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 Association
Natalie, Brewer at Kanpai London
Chie Nasu, Sales manager at Wakaze Sake
Hiroyuki Ito, General manager of Takara Europe
Maria Laura Ortiz, International Marketing and Sales Director at Tanaka 1789 X Chartier
Tony Yip, Director of VSF Wine Education
Peter McCombie, Master of Wine
Michele Quarta, Executive Bars Manager at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Paul and Richard, BSA members

Kampai!

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 36: IWC Sake 2022

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 done
How IWC this year is different from the last year judging amid the pandemic
What is the IWC Award Winning Sake tasting
IWC Award Winning Sake tasting in 2022
Comments and observations from sake professionals and Ambassador Hayashi Hajime.
Sake of the episode: Kamoizumi Junmai Daiginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kamoizumi Junmai Daiginjo
Kamoizumi Brewery
London Sake

International Wine Challenge (IWC)

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 35: Deep Dive into Sake Trends: an interview with Jim Rion and Andrew Russell, Sake Deep Dive

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 background
The Sake Deep Dive Podcast
From Kimoto to Sokujo
Sake trends:
- Back to the Roots
- Low Polish Ratio
- Lower ABV Sake
- Modern Juicy Style
- The Growth in Namazake Export
- The Emergence of New (Newish) Sake Breweries
Future Trends
Sake of the Episode: Kanenaka Kimoto Junmai (Jim) and Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai (Andy)

Kampai!

Sake mentioned:
Kanenaka Kimoto Junmai
Nakashimaya Sake Brewery
Sake Shoten Online Store

Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai
Miyasaka Sake Brewery
London Sake

Sake Deep Dive Podcast
Intro music
Lotus Lane by The Loyalist - Preconceived Notions Available at https://soundcloud.com/preconceived-notions
Under a Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lotus-lane
Music 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 Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://

Ep. 34: Kanpai, London! Interview with Tom Wilson, a master brewer and owner of Kanpai Brewery in London

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 background
Major challenges for opening and running a brewery in the UK
How sake is made at Kanpai London
The first sake of the episode: Kanpai Kaze Junmai Ginjo
Kanpai Brewery and Tap Room concept
How does it feel to work as a family?
Key points of Kanpai sake brewing and the Kanpai team
The second sake of the episode: Kanpai Kura Junmai Koshu
Kanpai sake range
Plans for the future and kampai!

Kampai!

Kanpai London website:
Kanpai London

Sake mentioned:
Kanpai KAZE Junmai Ginjo
Kanpai London

Kanpai KURA Junmai Koshu
Kanpai Online Shop

Kanpai SORA 'Sky' Honjozo
Kanpai Online Shop

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 33: Emergence of Sake Series: Sake in Modern Times

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 bottling
The abolition of the Sakekabu system
The development of sake rice
National Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB)
Yamahai: no more rice pounding
Sokujo-moto: modern sake brewing
Other sake developments
Sake of the episode: Daishichi Masakura Kimoto Junmai Ginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Daishichi Masakura Kimoto Junmai Ginjo
Daishichi Brewery
Japan Centre

The Passionate Foodie: Saké in Bottles

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 32: Where to Learn about Sake and Enjoy It: an interview with Marie Cheong-Thong

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 background
Marie's sake aha moment
British Sake Association
Sake education options: books and WSET
Sake education options: SSI, Sake School of America, Sake Sommelier Association and other options
Who and why come to learn about sake
How a sake course is organised, key topics
What to do after the graduation
Interest in sake is growing everywhere
Sake of the episode: Kanpai Namazake

Kampai!

Marie's website:
The Larder at 36

British Sake Association

Kanpai Online Store

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 31: Emergence of Sake Series: The Age of Prosperity: Sake in the Edo Period

Thu, 19 May 2022 19:00:00 +0100

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 scene
How the centre of sake brewing moved from Kyoto to Hyogo
Ikeda, Itami and Nadagogo
Sakekabe: the end of year-round sake brewing
Technical advances of the Edo period
Kimoto method: it's not only about yamaoroshi
Sake of the episode: Tamagawa 'Time Machine' Junmai Kimoto and Genroku Redux

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Tamagawa 'Time Machine' Junmai Kimoto
Kinoshita Brewery
World Sake Import UK
London Sake
Genroku Redux
Konishi Brewery Online Shop
Tengu Sake

Sake Deep Drive: Kimoto: Raising Wee Beasties

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep. 30: Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake (Interview with Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay)

Thu, 05 May 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 stories
Coming up with the idea for the book
What is it like to write a book together?
The book's concept and structure
Sake vs Wine: Terroir
Key points of the book
People and discoveries
Looking 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, Earth

Sake mentioned:

Sohomare Sake
Sohomare Sake Brewery
World Sale Imports UK (importer)
Kimoto Tokubetsu Junmai
The Whiskey Exchange
Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo
Sorakami Online Store

Gozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori (Misty Mountain)
Tengu Sake

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 29: Emergence of Sake Series: Bodaimoto and How Oda Nobunaga Ended Soboshu

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 monks
How bodaimoto is made
Kamakura period and Sake Prohibition
Muromachi periods: the start of the commercialisation of sake brewing
Sengoku Jidai: the end of soboshu
End of the era and pre-Edo sake
Sake of the episode: Gozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori Namazake Misty Stream

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Gozenshu Junmai Bodaimoto Usu-nigori Namazake Misty Stream
Tsuji Honten
Tengu Sake

Sake Deep Drive Episode 2: Bodaimoto - Brewing at the Buddha's Foot

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 28: The beauty of nature: The Sparkling Sake Brewery

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0100

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 stories
What is sparkling sake
Why make sparkling sake in the UK?
Naoki's journey and challenges of setting up a sake brewery in the UK
Sake of the episode: AWA Sparkling Sake
Food pairing and where to buy
Future plans

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:

AWA Sparkling Sake
The Sparkling Sake Brewery
Sorakami Online Store
Sakaya (Pantechnicon Ground Floor Arcade)

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 27: Emergence of Sake Series: Enters Koji, Imperial Court and Soboshu

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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 Japan
Koji revolt in Kyoto
Sake and the Imperial Court
Soboshu: sake brewed by monks
Sake of the episode: Yoemon Tokubetsu Junmai Miyama Nishiki

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Yoemon Tokubetsu Junmai Miyama Nishiki
List of Natural Natural stores (in-store only)

NOMIKAI: The Sake Experience at HIS Japan Premium
212 Shaftesbury Ave London WC2H 8EB
TEL : 020-7484-3311

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlanr

Ep 26: How a Travel Company Opened a Sake Store in London: Interview HIS Japan Premium

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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 Store
What are the store's major revenue sources
HIS Japan Premium's grocery and sake range
The store's philosophy
Interconnection & World Peace
Tsuji's and John's backgrounds
HIS Japan Premium customers
Opportunities and challenges
Sake of the episode: Shiramayumi Junmai Ginjo Hidahomare

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:

Shiramayumi Junmai Ginjo Hidahomare
Kaba Shuzo
HIS Japan Premium Food & Travel (in-store only)

NOMIKAI: The Sake Experience at HIS Japan Premium
212 Shaftesbury Ave London WC2H 8EB
TEL : 020-7484-3311

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 25: The Emergence of Sake: Roots of Nihonshu

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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 alcohol
Origin of Sake: theories and legends
Kuchikamizake: an ancient sake brewing method
Storm God Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi
How ancient sake looked and tasted
Sake of episode: Jidai Yamahai Junmai Ginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Jidai Yamahai Junmai Ginjo
Hayashi Honten
Tengu Sake

Sugidama Blog: Kanzake Time! The joys of warm sake
Sugidama Blog: 5 great sake to drink warm

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 24: Message in a Bottle: Interview with Andy Travers, London Sake

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0100

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 journey
London Sake story
Dassai 45
Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai
Sake bottle labels
Will the Tokyo Olympics boost sake sales outside Japan?
London Sake customers
Shirakabegura Junmai Daiginjo
The art of selecting sake
Looking ahead
Sake of the episode: Shichiken Junmai Daiginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:

Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo
Asahi Shuzo
London Sake

Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai
Nanbu Bijin Brewery
London Sake

Shirakabegura Junmai Daiginjo
Shirakabegura Brewery
London Sake

Shichiken Junmai Daiginjo
Shichiken Sake Brewery
London Sake

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 23: Sake Focus: Ginjo, Luxury in a Glass

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0100

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 history
How ginjo sake brewing is different from less polished sake
Skills, process, and ingredients
Grades and types of ginjo sake
When ginjo is not ginjo but tokubetsu
How to drink ginjo: temperature, food etc.
Sake of the episode: Kanpai London Kaze Junmai Ginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kanpai London Kaze Junmai Ginjo
Kanpai London Sake Brewery

Super-flat Rice Polishing

Sugidama Blog: 5 Sake to drink in Summer 2021

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 22: Sake Focus: Namazake, Life in a Bottle

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0100

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 namazake
Types of namazake: namazake, namachozo, namazume
Autumn sake: Hiyaoroshi and Aki-Agari
Other types of nama and not: Shiboritate, Kassei Seishu, Shinshu
Nama Genshu and Nama Genshu Muroka
Namazake Character: aroma, taste, food pairing
Namazake storage, how to buy
Sake of the episode: Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu Honjozo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu Honjozo
Kikusui Sake Brewery
London Sake

Sugidama Blog: One cup to rule them all: 5 single-serving sake to try

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 21: Sake Focus: Nigori, a descendant of a sacred drink

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0100

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 nigori
Doburoku: the origin of nigorizake
The emergence of seishu
Return of nigori
Types of nigori
Nigori: taste and food pairing
Sake of the episode: Kamoizumi Summer Snow Ginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kamoizumi Summer Snow Ginjo
Kamoizumi Sake Brewery (no product information available)
Sorakami

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 20: Sake Focus: Junmai/Honjozo

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0100

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 junmai
History of adding alcohol to sake
Junmai is back
How 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 Junmai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Urakasumi Honjikomi Honjozo
Urakasumi Sake Brewery
London Sake

Urakasumi Misty Bay Junmai
Urakasumi Sake Brewery
London Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 19: Sake Ingredients: Yeast, the Unsung Hero of Sake Brewing (interview with Andrew Russell)

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:00:00 +0100

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 sake
Kurabito's Life
Role of sake yeast in sake brewing
Is sake yeast different from other yeasts?
History of sake yeast
How yeast affects sake
Popular and interesting sake yeasts
Foamless yeast
Future development of sake yeast
Sake of the episode: Tamagawa 'Red Label' Yamahai Genshu Junmai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Tamagawa 'Red Label' Yamahai Genshu Junmai
Kinoshita Sake Brewery
London Sake

Andrew Russell
Origin Sake

Imada Shuzo Honten
Imada Sake Brewery
Miho Imada

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 18: How I Became an IWC Sake Judge

Thu, 13 May 2021 10:00:00 +0100

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 judging
What is the IWC judging process
My personal judging experience
What I learnt during the IWC Sake
My sake discoveries
A little Q&A
Sake of the episode: Suigei Junmai Ginjo Ginrei

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Suigei Junmai Ginjo Ginrei
Suigei Sake Brewery
London Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 17: Sake, mirin and other animals (Interview with Kinu Yukawa)

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0100

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 connection
Sake in Japanese cooking
Irisake
Cooking vs Normal Sake
Mirin
Sake and food pairing
Sake of the episode: Kasumitsuru Kimoto Junmai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kasumitsuru Kimoto Junmai
Kasumitsuru Sake Brewery
London Sake

Kinu Yukawa
Deliciously Japanese

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 16: Sake Ingredients: Beautiful Koji (Interview with Akemi Yokoyama)

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0100

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 connection
What is koji: history and the importance in Japanese cuisine
The role of koji in sake making: types of koji, how it used and how koji affects sake taste
What is amazake and how to make it
Koji and breadmaking
WHy koji is so fascinating and where to learn more about it
Sake of the episode: Kuzuryu Daiginjo ‘Silk Dragon’

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kuzuryu Daiginjo ‘Silk Dragon’
Kokuryu Sake Brewery
Natural Natural Online Store

Akemi Yokoyama
Gohan

Books about koji
Koji 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_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 15: Sake Ingredients: Rice, the Essence of Sake

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0100

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 sake
The classification of rice varieties
Table rice vs. sake rice
Sake rice varieties
Red rice and Organic rice
Sake of the episode: Fukukomachi “Evening Sky” Junmai Karakuchi

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Fukukomachi “Evening Sky” Junmai Karakuchi
Kimura Shuzo
Tengu Sake

Origin Sake
Omachi-mai: The Phantom Sake Rice

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 14: Sake Ingredients: The power of Water

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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 water
What water is good?
Discovery of Miyamizu
Soft or hard water?
Gokosui – the ancient soft water
Sake of the episode: Hatsumago Densho Kimoto Honjozo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Hatsumago Densho Kimoto Honjozo
Hatsumago Sake Brewery
London Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 13: 5 tips to pick up the sake you will enjoy (plus what is SMV)

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

What could be more disappointing than ordering something, waiting for it with excitement and then realising that it’s something you don’t like. It happens quite often unfortunately and buying and ordering sake is not an exception. So in this episode, I would like to give you a few tips on choosing sake and also talk about some parameters you will find on the bottle beside a milling ratio. And my tips of course are based on my own experience.

In addition to this episode, you can listen to the interviews I did with Satomi, Oliver, Erika and Natsuki last year (episodes 07, 09, 10 and 11) as they also had great and useful 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:

Tip #1: Ask the staff
Tip #2: Ginjo and junmai food pairing
Tip #3: The type of sake will give you a hint
Tip #4: Check the price
Tip #5: What the numbers on the label mean
Sake of the episode: Dewazakura Ichiro "Abbey Road" Junmai Daiginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Dewazakura Ichiro "Abbey Road" Junmai Daiginjo
Dewazakura Sake Brewery
London Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 12: 5 Essential Books about Sake

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 20:00:00 +0000

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 English
The Sake Handbook by John Gauntner
Sake Confidential by John Gauntner
The Book of Sake: A Connoisseur's Guide by Philip Harper
The Japanese Sake Bible by Brian Ashcraft
The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks by Stephen Lyman and Chris Bunting
Sake of the episode: Kubota Senju (Ginjo)

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kubota Senjyu Ginjo
Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Company
London Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 11: Through the time: the history of sake (Interview with Natsuki Kikuya)

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000

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 story
Birth of Sake
Why rice and what is koji
Sake milestones
How sake tasted during the Edo period
Emergence of breweries
Sake and culture
Sake Renaissance
Sake tip
Sake of the episode: TETOTE

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
TETOTE
Tsuchida Sake Brewery
Pan-Techni'on Main Website

Museum of Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 10: How to Open a Sake Bar in London and Survive a Lockdown (Interview with Erika Haigh from Moto London)

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

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 story
Sake and Wine
Birth of Moto London: Concept, Name, Location
Highlights and plans
Moto's customers
Importing sake
A Woman in the Sake World
Sake tips
Sake of the episode: Jokigen Junmai Daiginjo Dewasansan 40

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Jokigen Junmai Daiginjo Dewasansan 40
Moto London

Moto London Main Website

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 09: How to Drink Sake Like a Pro (Interview with Oliver Hilton-Johnson from Tengu Sake)

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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 story
Sip or shot?
Hot or cold?
What food is great with sake?
How to deal with the complex sake terminology
How to buy sake with confidence
How to store sake properly
Sake tips
Sake of the episode: Tatenokawa Phoenix Junmai Daiginjo

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Tatenokawa Phoenix Junmai Daiginjo
Tatenokawa Sake Brewery
Tengu Sake

Tengu Sake Main Website

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 08: It’s a Kind of Magic: How Sake is Made Part 2

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

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 episode
Sandan Jikomi
Multiple Parallel Fermentation
Why open tanks?
Sake pressing
Preparing sake for bottling (post-production)
Sake of the episode: London Kanpai Taru Barrel-Aged Junmai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Kanpai Taru Barrel-Aged Junmai
Kanpai London
London Sake

Episode Dictionary
Moto/Shubo (酛/酒母) - yeast starter
Sandan Jikomi (三段仕込) - a three-stage mixing process of sake fermentation mash
Moromi (醪) - sake fermentation mash
Hatsuzoe/soe (初添/添) - Day 1 of Sandan Jikomi
Odori (踊り) - Day 2 of Sandan Jikomi (resting day)
Nakazoe/naka (仲添/仲) - Day 3 of Sandan Jikomi
Tomezoe/Tome (留添/留) - Day 4 of Sandan Jikomi
Fune (槽) - sake press
Arabashiri (荒走り) - rough run
Nakadori/Nakagumi (中取り/中汲み) - mid run in sake pressing
Seme (責め) - the final run in sake pressing
Fukuro-tsuri (袋吊り) - hanging cotton bags
Shizuku-zake (雫酒) - drip sake
Tobingakoi (斗瓶囲い) - a special 18-litre sake bottle
Sake kasu (酒粕) - sake lees, a by-product of sake pressing
Oribiki (おり) - rice sediment
Roka ( ろ過) - filtering
Chozo (貯蔵) - sake maturation
Chougu (調合) - blending
Warimizu - (割水) - diluting sake with water

Music used:

Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 07: How to order sake and other tips from Satomi Dosseur

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000

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 sake
Sake and food
Sake as digestive
Sake tips
Sake of the episode: Nishinoseki Cube Honjozo Genshu

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Nishinoseki Cube Honjozo Genshu
Kayashima Sake Brewery
London Sake

Enshu Limited (Kikisake-shi)

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 06: It’s a Kind of Magic: How Sake is Made Part 1

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

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 brewing
The choices made before brewing
Rice preparation
Making rice koji
Sake starter: shubo or moto
Sake of the episode: Narutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Narutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu
Honke Matsuura Brewery
London Sake

Kanpai London Brewery

Article about sake yeast

Sake Yeast from Origin Sake

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 05: How I learnt about sake and started to love it?

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0100

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 it
People of sake
The history behind every brewery
Bottles and labels
Sake in Japanese culture and art
Sake and culinary
Social drink: pouring for each other
Sake of the episode: Dassai

Kampai!
Sake mentioned:
Dassai 45
Dassai 39
Dassai 23
Dassai Beyond
Asahi Shuzo
Sugidama Blog

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 04: From Kimoto to Sokujo and Back Again

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:00:00 +0100

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 environment
Kimoto
Yamahai
Sokujo-moto
Bodaimoto and its rediscovery
How sake made with different methods taste
Sake of the episode: Gozenshu 1859 Prototype Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Nakadori Bodaimoto

Kampai!

Sake mentioned:
Gozenshu 1859 Prototype
Tengu Sake
Sugidama Blog

Tengu Sake: A Look at Bodaimoto Starters

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Vocal: Svetlana

Ep 03: A Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Sake Universe Part 2

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:00:00 +0100

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:

Nigori
Muroka
Namazake
Genshu
Taruzake
Koshu
Sparkling sake
Sake of the Episode: “Arabashiri” First Run Nama Ginjo

Kampai!

Sake mentioned:
Tamagawa Yamahai Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu “Red Label”
World Sake Imports UK
VSF Wine
Sorakami
Arabashiri First Run Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu
Miyasaka Brewery
World Sake Imports UK
The Whisky Exchange
Bottle Apostol

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Ep 02: A Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Sake Universe Part 1

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:00:00 +0100

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 Sake
History of sake classification
Current sake classification criteria
Futsushu
Why do brewers add distilled alcohol?
Premium/Special designation sake
Premium sake is not always better
Sake of the Episode: Dewazakura Oka Ginjo

Kampai!

Sake mentioned in the episode:
Dewazakura Oka Ginjo
Dewazakura Brewery
World Sake Imports UK
The Whisky Exchange
Sorakami

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Ep 01: Busting Popular Sake Myths and Legends

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 11:00:00 +0100

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. nihonshu
Origin of sake
Myth 01: Sake is a spirit
Myth 02: Sake is rice wine
Myth 03: Sake is always drunk warm
Myth 04: Sake is good only with Japanese food
Myth 05: Premium sake is always better
Sake of the Episode: Keigetsu Nigori Junmai Daiginjo

Sake mentioned in the episode:
Keigetsu Nigori Junmai Daiginjo
Keigetsu Tosa Brewing Company (in Japanese)
Hedonism Wines

Sugidama Podcast on Podchaser - please review if you don't use Apple Podcasts

Music used:
Wirklich Wichtig (CB 27) by Checkie Brown https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Checkie_Brown_1005/hey/Wirklich_Wichtig_CB_27

Just Arround the World (Kielokaz ID 362) by KieLoKaz
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Just_Arround_the_World_Kielokaz_ID_362

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/