Awamori Reviews

Harusame Kari Awamori Review: A Tsunami Of Flavour That Keeps On Building!

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Harusame Kari awamori is rich, creamy, nutty and sweet.

Japanese spirits like awamori have some of the most unique brewing methods and flavours profiles to be found anywhere on the planet. Awamori comes from Okinawa and packs more of a punch than nihonshu and shochu with an ABV that ranges from between 30% – 43%.

Harusame Kari, produced by Miyazato Distillery, is a multi-layered drink that stacks oodles of flavour on top of each other. And the only reason I was able to discover it was by paying a visit to the UK’s first sake brewery Kanpai in Peckham. The stars had truly aligned for an awesome drinking experience. Continue reading “Harusame Kari Awamori Review: A Tsunami Of Flavour That Keeps On Building!” →

The Kokoro Files: Jorg Muller
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Jorg Muller

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The Kokoro Files tells the story of ordinary people and their connection to Japan. And whether it’s food, alcohol, history or sport, the experience is unique to each person. For Jorg Muller, his experience in Japan inspired him to start up a sake supply company, Ueno Gourmet, one of the top importers of sake in Europe.

In this interview, Jorg reveals what connected him to nihonshu, what kind of breweries Ueno Gourmet works with and what it means to get involved with some of the most exciting beverages in the world. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Jorg Muller” →

Shochu Reviews

Iichiko Shochu Review: A Spirit That’s As Great As Its Name!

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Iichko shochu is made from barley and comes from the Sanwa Shurui Company in Oita Prefecture.

Japanese shochu has quickly developed into one of my favourite spirits for its versatility and cornucopia of base ingredients. One of the best I’ve tried lately is Iichiko, a refreshing mugi (barely) shochu produced by the Sanwa Shurui Company in Oita Prefecture. Light, airy and aromatic, it’s not hard to see why Iichiko is one of the leading honkaku (authentic) shochus in the world. Continue reading “Iichiko Shochu Review: A Spirit That’s As Great As Its Name!” →

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

6 Of The Best Places To Buy Sake In The UK

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Kanpai Brewery is one of the best places to drink sake in the U.K.

Japanese sake is experiencing a renaissance in the west. More information is available for demystifying Japan’s national alcohol, while sake-related organisations, breweries and sommeliers are breaking down misconceptions about nihonshu and experimenting with a variety of amazing flavours.

One of the most dynamic western markets for sake is the UK and there are some great places to get it if you know where to look. With that said, here are six of the best places to get your sake fix in the UK! Continue reading “6 Of The Best Places To Buy Sake In The UK” →

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Step Into Sake Heaven With A Visit To The UK’s First Independent Sake Bar And Shop Moto

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Moto is the UK's first independent sake bar and shop.

There’s a drink revolution going on in the UK and it’s all to do with Japanese sake. And if you want to experience it firsthand, then London is one of the best places to step into the world of nihonshu at Moto, the UK’s first independent sake bar and shop. While sake has always been a staple of menus in Japanese restaurants, Moto has taken it a step further by making the alcohol the star of the show and the results are electrifying. Continue reading “Step Into Sake Heaven With A Visit To The UK’s First Independent Sake Bar And Shop Moto” →

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Experience The Magic Of The UK’s Sake Revolution At Kanpai Brewery In London

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Kanpai Brewery in Peckham is a hidden gem and well worth visiting for the craft sake selection.

It’s an exciting time for the sake industry in the UK. A steady surge in popularity has led to consumers seeking more information about Japan’s national alcohol and one of the best places to start your journey into the realm of nihonshu is in the UK’s first sake brewery, Kanpai. Located in Peckham, Kanpai Brewery is the definition of a hidden gem.

Continue reading “Experience The Magic Of The UK’s Sake Revolution At Kanpai Brewery In London” →

Japanese Whisky Reviews

Junenmyo Half Decade Review: An Excellent Whisky To Light The Way Towards A Great Drinking Experience

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Junemyo Half Decade Whisky is a smoky, gamey delight.

The popularity of Japanese whisky continues to rise, which has led many breweries to come out with rare editions that reflect local culture. The Wakatsuru Saburomaru Distillery, based in Hokuriku, did exactly that with the Junenmyo Half Decade whisky.

With the whisky presented as an extension of the region, it’s made it difficult for whisky fans to get their hands in the Junenmyo outside of Hokuriku. But I managed to track a bottle down in London at Moto, a specialist sake bar that sells rare Japanese drinks. Continue reading “Junenmyo Half Decade Review: An Excellent Whisky To Light The Way Towards A Great Drinking Experience” →

Awamori Reviews

Higa Zanpa White Awamori Review: The Perfect Introductory Drink To Okinawan Moonshine

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Higa Zanpa White is a perfect introductory awamori.

Awamori is one of the most unique Japanese beverages in the world. Made in Okinawa, awamori shares similarities with nihonshu and shochu, but it only uses black koji mould and Thai indica rice in the production process. The result is a powerful distilled spirit that can go as high as a 43% ABV.

I recently had the pleasure of trying my first awamori at a Japan House London event that featured a tasting session of rare Japanese drinks. The Higa Zanpa White, created by the Higa Shuzo brewery, ranks among the most memorable tipple that I’ve drank so far! Continue reading “Higa Zanpa White Awamori Review: The Perfect Introductory Drink To Okinawan Moonshine” →

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Shochu And Awamori: The Spirits Of Japan Review: An Enlightening Event From Japan House London

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The Shochu And Awamori: Spirits Of Japan event from Japan London House was a great introduction into Japanese spirits.

In the UK, sake is experiencing a steady increase in popularity and consumers are starting to seek more information about it. And as the interest grows, it’s creating the opportunity for lesser known Japanese drinks to be discovered like shochu. And a venue that’s the perfect setting for showcasing the brilliance of shochu is Japan House London.

I recently attended Shochu And Awamori: The Spirits Of Japan, an event which served as an introduction into the wonderful world of Japanese spirits. A collaboration between Japan London House, the Kagoshima Shochu Makers Association (KSMA) and Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA), the event was truly enlightening. Continue reading “Shochu And Awamori: The Spirits Of Japan Review: An Enlightening Event From Japan House London” →