The Idiot’s Guide to Sake Brewing
Mar. 31. 2022 writer:
An introduction to the most important text on brewing in early modern Japan (1600-1868)
Sake Academia
Sake Goes West: A Rough and Ready History
Mar. 24. 2022 writer:
With sake sales booming abroad, we trace the first steps of Japan’s signature beverage into the world at large
Women Sake Brewers in Medieval Japan
Feb. 17. 2022 writer:
In medieval Japan (1200-1600) women played a prominent role in sake brewing
Why Sake is the Drink of Choice for Winter
Jan. 13. 2022 writer:
Whether served hot or chilled, sake works wonders with winter cuisine and festivities
When Sake Fought Sweets
Dec. 23. 2021 writer:
A 19th century woodblock print of famous sake brands battling confections reveals the two products’ fight for consumer attention.
The Fuzzy History of Koji
Oct. 28. 2021 writer:
Koji is so important to sake-making it’s been called Japan’s “National Fungus,” but its origins are murky.
Bodaimoto: The Renaissance of the “Enlightened” Starter
Sep. 30. 2021 writer:
Some brewers are returning to the traditional bodaimoto starter method that naturally cultivates lactic acid.
Drinking in Tradition: A Short History of Izakaya
Sep. 9. 2021 writer:
The history of how sake gave rise to Japan’s famed and unique gastropubs.
Want to Start a Sake Brewery in Japan? It’s Now a whole lot easier
Jan. 29. 2020 writer:
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:
Sake and Soy Sauce: Culinary Cousins with a Shared History
Oct. 17. 2019 writer:
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.
Yumeurara and Shinho Sake Breathe New Life into a Gem of Japanese Agriculture
Sep. 26. 2019 writer:
One of the interesting things about the world of sake is that every one of the thousands of brands has a story behind it. Take Shinho, a junmai sake that was released as a part of the Sake 100 line of luxury brands. This story begins in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture. Once a jewel of the farming industry in Japan, the area suddenly found itself on the brink of collapse.
Breweries Embracing the Can-Do Spirit When It Comes to “Bottle Can” Sake
Aug. 9. 2019 writer:
In the long history of sake, packaging in metal bottles is a relatively new technique. Still, doing so seems to have combined the benefits of every other material to date, including glass, plastic, and paper boxes. Improving the flow of sake for both brewery and drinker, it’s a wonder that this wasn’t done sooner.
The Science of Sake Aroma
Jul. 11. 2019 writer:
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!
Toji Pull Their Weight: The Heaviest Sake-making Equipment
Jun. 20. 2019 writer:
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.
Demystifying “Umami” with Sake
May. 23. 2019 writer:
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.
Geographical Indication and A Case for Calling Sake “Nihonshu” Instead
Apr. 18. 2019 writer:
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.
Sake and Sakura: A Match Made in Hanami Heaven
Mar. 22. 2019 writer:
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.
The Many Faces of Mirin, Sake’s Flavorful Culinary Cousin
Jan. 24. 2019 writer:
Explore all the ways to enjoy mirin, the sake-like seasoning found in nearly every kitchen in Japan but scare everywhere else.
The Perfect Sake for New Year’s, and Other Customs From Japan’s Most Important Holiday
Dec. 27. 2018 writer:
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."
Exploring the Joys of Yuzu from the Bathtub to the Bar
Nov. 16. 2018 writer:
Join us for a whirlwind tour of all you need to know about yuzu and its uses in everything from sake to snacks.
Let’s Stop Calling Sake “Rice Wine,” It Deserves Better
Nov. 9. 2018 writer:
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?
The Terroir of Sake: an Expert Explains Why the Wine-centric Buzzword Applies to Sake Too
Oct. 26. 2018 writer:
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.
Will Sake Make You Fat? the 3 Truths: Talking Calories
Oct. 14. 2016 writer:
In this article we try to get to the bottom of whether sake puts on the pounds or not?
Now, You Too Can Be a Sake Connoisseur! 5 Expressions to Describe the Aromas of Sake
May. 6. 2016 writer:
Today's article is aimed at anyone who wants to learn how to express the flavours of sake with a richer vocabulary — introducing "5 often-used aroma expressions".
