Tag: sake

Shochu Reviews

Shiranami Kuro Shochu Review: Mild, Sweet And Memorable

yamatomagazine8 Comments
Shiranami kuro shochu review

Japanese culture has a unique identity, and that goes for Japanese sake as well. Ever since discovering shochu, I’ve been making my way through different blends. No shochu is ever the same as the last one. That comes down to the level of craftmanship from the people in the sake breweries who pour their heart and soul into the work.  

The most recent shochu I’ve tried is Shiranami kuro (black). From the first sip I knew it had a distinctive flavour that set it apart from other kinds of sake. Continue reading “Shiranami Kuro Shochu Review: Mild, Sweet And Memorable” →

Japanese Cuisine

Celebrating World Sake Day 2019

yamatomagazine1 Comment

There are certain days throughout the year that bring excitement. Birthdays, Christmas and holidays come to mind. And then there are more obscure events like World Sake Day. Held every year on the 1st October, World Sake day celebrates Japanese alcohol. Having developed a taste for sake in 2019, this is the first time I’m celebrating it. Continue reading “Celebrating World Sake Day 2019” →

Shochu Reviews

Kannoko Barley Shochu Review: An Excellent Choice For Whisky Drinkers

yamatomagazine11 Comments

Japanese shochu is one of the most intriguing types of alcoholic drinks in the world. The range of ingredients and flavours make it both complex and memorable. Through discovering sake experts like Christopher Pellegrini and John Gauntner, I’ve been inspired to taste as many different types of shochu as possible.

Kannoko mugi (barley) shochu is one of the most interesting variations I’ve had recently. The name translates to ‘river protected by the gods’ and is associated with a stream in South Kagoshima. With a similar profile to western whisky, I found the Kannoko to be both familiar and new. Continue reading “Kannoko Barley Shochu Review: An Excellent Choice For Whisky Drinkers” →

Shochu Reviews

Grape Shochu Highball Review: Somewhere Between A Cocktail And A Soda

yamatomagazine7 Comments

Known for its versatility and wide range of ingredients, shochu is one of Japan’s most interesting drinks. Some of the base ingredients include sweet potato, barley, buckwheat and brown sugar. But there are many more to choose from, which adds to the appeal of shochu.

Certain types of shochu are mixed with other drinks to create new flavours. This is the case for chuhai, which means ‘shochu highball’ in English. Having recently tasted a grape flavoured shochu highball, the experience was different to other types of sake that I’ve tried. Continue reading “Grape Shochu Highball Review: Somewhere Between A Cocktail And A Soda” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Nizawa Atago No Sakura Junmai Daiginjo Review: As Memorable As A Cherry Blossom In Spring

yamatomagazine8 Comments
sakura sake

In the realm of sake, junmai daiginjo is a major talking point among nihonshu drinkers. Considered to be a high premium grade, junmai daiginjo sake has its fair share of admirers. I’m of the opinion that all sake is worth drinking. Each blend has its own unique flavour and no two bottles are ever the same.

But crossing into junmai daiginjo territory is always fun, and that’s exactly what I did with a bottle of Nizawa atago no sakura. Taking influence from the Japanese cherry blossom, this sake is certainly memorable. Continue reading “Nizawa Atago No Sakura Junmai Daiginjo Review: As Memorable As A Cherry Blossom In Spring” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Review: A Festive Dessert Sake With A Mouth-Watering Plum Taste

yamatomagazine12 Comments

Becoming immersed in a different style of eating and drinking is an excellent way to gain an appreciation for another culture. I’ve been immersing myself in Japanese culture by sampling different kinds of sake and gradually becoming more obsessed with the industry. One of the most recent bottles I’ve tried is Akashi-Tai shiraume umeshu.

A complex dessert sake, the shiraume umeshu has shot straight to the top of my favourite drinks list. Aromatic, mouth-watering and full-bodied, it’s the type of nihonshu that can be broken out for special occasions. Continue reading “Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Review: A Festive Dessert Sake With A Mouth-Watering Plum Taste” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Mio Sparkling Sake Review: Light, Airy And Pleasantly Sweet

yamatomagazine12 Comments

Flavour variation is one of the most exciting aspects of the sake industry. From the fruity flavours of junmai ginjo, to the savoury textures of a well-made honjozo, sake has plenty to offer in the taste department.

In recent years, sparkling sake has emerged as a popular beverage for a younger generation of nihonshu drinkers. With a lower ABV percentage and lighter quality than other grades, sparkling sake is worth trying. Recently, I tasted a bottle of Mio sparkling sake and found it to be an extremely pleasant drink. Continue reading “Mio Sparkling Sake Review: Light, Airy And Pleasantly Sweet” →

Japanese Cuisine

Discover The Beauty Of Nihonshu With Peter Street Kitchen’s Sake Masterclass

yamatomagazine7 Comments

The Japanese sake industry has been built on centuries of tradition, yet outside of Japan, nihonshu is a niche drink that many westerners are unfamiliar with. I’ve found learning about sake to be a fascinating experience, and it was that curiosity that inspired me to take part in the sake masterclass evening at Peter Street Kitchen in Manchester. With the opportunity to try several different blends of nihonshu, it’s safe to say I felt like a kid in a candy store. Continue reading “Discover The Beauty Of Nihonshu With Peter Street Kitchen’s Sake Masterclass” →

Book Reviews

The Shochu Handbook Review: Enter The World Of Shochu And Awamori With This Epic Drinking Guide

yamatomagazine10 Comments

What I love about Japanese alcohol is the range of versatile drinks, which run the gamut from sweet tasting nihonshu, to fiery whiskeys that have been made with Japanese brewing techniques. It turns out there’s this pretty awesome drink called shochu as well.

When learning about this flexible beverage, it’s a good idea to go to an expert, which is why I picked up Christopher Pellegrini’s The Shochu Handbook: An Introduction To Japan’s Indigenous Distilled Drink. In the book, Pellegrini tells you everything you need to know about shochu and why it needs to be on the radar of casual drinkers, sake nerds and alcohol experts alike. Continue reading “The Shochu Handbook Review: Enter The World Of Shochu And Awamori With This Epic Drinking Guide” →