
Soul of samurai
burns in colours of Autumn
her kimono fits

Soul of samurai
burns in colours of Autumn
her kimono fits

Among the many exciting aspects of sake are the different grades with their own distinctive characteristics, like the savoury qualities of a good honjozo. Futsushu (ordinary/table) nihonshu has a mixed reputation, despite being the most common type of sake, accounting for 75% of all sake produced in Japan.
Compared to premium grades like a daiginjo, futsushu can be derided as being ‘low-quality’ and that is simply untrue. After tasting Choya futsushu sake, I can say that there’s a lot to enjoy about the category.
Continue reading “Choya Futsushu Sake Review: A Highly Sessionable Nihonshu”

The Kokoro Files shares the stories of people and their connection to Japan. This connection takes many forms, and in the case of Justin Potts, it set him off on a life-long quest to learn all there is about nihonshu. A co-host of the amazing Sake on Air podcast, food and beverage entrepreneur and Master of Sake, Justin has plenty of stories to share about his love affair with sake.
Read on to learn about how his journey started, the genesis of Sake on Air and where he feels the industry is going.

The Otaku Armoury puts the spotlight on Japanese weapons in pop culture and a katana that should be recognised for its deadliness is Soultaker. Wielded by the DC comic heroine, Katana, Soultaker is a sword with a mystical origin and tragic circumstances.

Self-isolation
inspires time of reflection
a world with more hope

The great thing about drinking sake is that it can be enjoyed in numerous vessels. From small ochoko cups to wine glasses, every vessel provides a new experience to enjoy, reflecting the wonderful diversity of nihonshu.
I’ve officially taken my sake geekery to the next level by investing in specially designed glassware that’s perfect for drinking Junmai (pure rice) sake. Crafted by the Riedel Glass Company, the Junmai sake glass really does make a difference when imbibing Japan’s national drink.
Continue reading “Riedel Junmai Sake Glass Review: Perfect For Drinking Complex Nihonshu”

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to business all over the world. Lockdowns have closed restaurants and bars, forcing the hospitality industry to adapt rapidly to people staying at home. The same situation happened in my home city of Manchester and I was seriously craving some good ramen broth.
The solution? Call on YaoYao Noodles to come to the rescue and deliver a ramen noodle kit.

If you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone with a unique kind of drink they you can’t go wrong with shochu. Japan’s national spirit is made with a smorgasbord of different ingredients, with one of the most interesting being sesame seeds.
Beniotome Red Maiden Black is the first sesame shochu I’ve tried and it’s one of the most multifaceted drinks I’ve come across on my shochu journey so far.
Continue reading “Beniotome Red Maiden Black Shochu Review: Earthy, Savoury And Intense”

In an age of digital connection, podcasts are an excellent resource for learning new topics. As a fan of sake, I’ve enjoyed listening to the Sake On Air podcast, which regularly covers themes on nihonshu and shochu. But it’s not the only Japanese booze podcast in town. I’d also recommend listening to America’s first sake podcast, Sake Revolution.
Continue reading “Discover The Wonderful World Of Nihonshu On The Sake Revolution Podcast”

One of the most exciting aspects of sake is the production method, especially when you begin to see the distinctions in flavour profile between modern methods like the Sokujomoto process and specialist methods like Yamahai.
The most ancient form of sake production is the bodaimoto method, which originated in the 14thcentury and can be traced to Nara. Sake produced in this style brings on unique flavours, which is definitely the case with Gozenshu 9 Junmai. Continue reading “Gozenshu 9 Junmai Sake Review: Become A Bodaimoto Believer”