Jan. 29. 2020 posted by
For decades in Japan, the idea of a start-up sake brewery, or “kura,” was virtually unheard of due to strict government regulation. But, this year sees a significant loosening of these restrictions, making the idea of opening a new brewery much more feasible. It’s an ongoing process of deregulation in its early stages, but here’s what we know so far:
Nov. 21. 2019 posted by
Sake Breweries tend to be susceptible to natural disasters like typhoons. Being the traditional businesses they are, brewing often takes place in old structures located in flood-prone areas near bodies of water.
Oct. 17. 2019 posted by
On the surface, sake - a clear and sweet alcoholic drink - and soy sauce, a dark and salty condiment, might not seem to have much in common. Surprisingly, though, they’re both made in similar ways and, as a result have contributed much to each other’s development throughout history. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two cornerstones of Asian cuisine.
Jul. 11. 2019 posted by
In the worlds of sake and wine alike, descriptions like “luscious fruit” and “warm spices” adorn labels and crop up in discussion describing the “nose” of particular drinks. But what exactly imbues a beverage with these unmistakable aromas without such fruits or spices even being present? It’s time for a chemistry lesson as we take a deep dive into the topic of sake aroma!
Jun. 27. 2019 posted by
The dates printed on the labels of sake bottles are admittedly not the most straightforward things in the world. However, once you understand the basic logic behind them they can be an excellent tool to ensure you get the most out of your favorite sake brands.
Jun. 20. 2019 posted by
Sake is sometimes seen as a classy drink which belies the hours of backbreaking labor that goes into making it. So let’s take a look behind the scenes at some of the things brewery staff have to haul around on a daily basis and weigh them all for good measure.
Jun. 13. 2019 posted by
For a surefire way to impress at any sake-themed gathering, be sure to read these quick and easy methods for opening sake bottles like a pro. It’s more than just screwing off the cap, but still easy enough that anyone can do it right away.
May. 23. 2019 posted by
It’s a taste we’ve all known since before we were born, but most of us still can’t put a finger on what exactly “umami” is. Luckily, sake can be a great tool to help develop a sense for this widely underestimated and misunderstood flavor element.
May. 16. 2019 posted by
Standing up or lying down? Refrigerated or not? Know the right way to hang on to your sake.
Apr. 18. 2019 posted by
As sake continues to gain momentum in the global market there are many reasons why it might be wise to introduce its proper name of "nihonshu" (a.k.a. Japanese sake) on a global level. Your drinking satisfaction may depend on it.
Apr. 12. 2019 posted by
From sushi to curry rice, rice seems to be an ubiquitous part of Japanese cuisine. It is also the primary, and almost sole, ingredient in brewing sake. Find out what makes certain rice more suitable for sake, and how different varieties affect sake's character.
Mar. 22. 2019 posted by
Although cherry blossoms and sake are both iconic symbols of Japan, the two are actually more intricately linked than meets the eye. From the annual outdoor drinking parties of "hanami" to sake made from actual sakura, they’ve both worked together to mold modern Japanese culture in many ways.
Feb. 28. 2019 posted by
Amazake is a sweet, cloudy drink with a venerable history going back over a thousand years in Japan. This article taps into its sweet potential.
Feb. 21. 2019 posted by
There are two kinds of cloudy sake: nigori sake and doburoku. One is readily available at sake retailers. The other can rarely be brewed legally in Japan.
Feb. 15. 2019 posted by
To survive in a harsh market, the makers of Dassai, Asahi Shuzo, needed to evolve. In doing so, they’ve found success around the world, but have they also turned their backs on tradition?
Jan. 31. 2019 posted by
Japan's two signature alcoholic drinks might be easily confused but are really quite different and have complex worlds of their own.
Jan. 24. 2019 posted by
Explore all the ways to enjoy mirin, the sake-like seasoning found in nearly every kitchen in Japan but scare everywhere else.
Jan. 17. 2019 posted by
The ship has sailed on a lot of ways English speakers pronounce Japanese words, but there’s still time to save “sake” from becoming “saki.”
Jan. 10. 2019 posted by
It's winter again in many parts of the globe, which means it's the best time to explore the world of hot sake. Even if you’ve tried it before, it’s likely your hot sake experiences until now were just probing the surface of this particular rabbit hole.
Dec. 27. 2018 posted by
Join us for a look at some of the things, both traditional and modern, Japanese people do as one year becomes the next. And, learn about the traditional New Year's sake known as "toso."
Dec. 20. 2018 posted by
Most sake fans know that “Kanpai!” is Japanese for “Cheers!” But what does the word itself mean, and what are the traditions associated with it?
Dec. 13. 2018 posted by
Size, shape, and material all have a big impact on how a single sake can taste. Read up on the basics of cup choice to level up your sake experience!
Dec. 7. 2018 posted by
From what to have for breakfast to what to ask your guide, here's everything you need to know before going on a sake brewery tour.
Nov. 23. 2018 posted by
For the most part, sake has a standard degree of alcohol content, but if you look hard enough, you can always find one that matches your particular brand of stiffness.
Nov. 16. 2018 posted by
Join us for a whirlwind tour of all you need to know about yuzu and its uses in everything from sake to snacks.
Nov. 9. 2018 posted by
Almost all major types of alcohol are named by the way they are made, so why is "rice wine" wrongfully living in the shadow of a totally unrelated beverage?
Oct. 26. 2018 posted by
Terroir [ter-wahr] n.: The collective character of an artisanal crop derived from the human and environmental factors involved in its growth and cultivation.
Terroir is a major buzzword in the wine world. But, is there terroir in sake? It’s complicated. Join us for this crash course in terroir, sake and the growing interest in sake provenance.
Jan. 24. 2017 posted by
This article covers special designated grades and explains how they can be used to help pinpoint specific sake again.
Nov. 2. 2016 posted by
In this article we look at the process of stabilizing sake through pasteurization.
Oct. 18. 2016 posted by
This article takes an in-depth look at the water that sake is brewed with.
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