Nov. 19. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Far from a grueling endurance race, the Kikizake Marathon is a fun run full of costumes, food, and sake. Then, TISPY2 is an electronic drinking buddy who’s not afraid to tell you when you’ve had enough. Last, thanks to all the great dedicated sake fans out there, Sake Day is the most popular alcohol-themed holiday in Japan by a long shot.
Nov. 12. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Sake kegs are on the way, opening up a new world of “draft sake.” Then, in sports news, Kikumasamune Sake Brewery drafts midfielder Andres Iniesta. Finally, an exciting new way to brew sake that does away with the shortcomings of past techniques.
Nov. 5. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Nagai Brewery’s sake gets the vegan stamp of approval in time for the Olympics. Then, Hokkaido aims to become a major force in sake with Japan’s first brewery operating on a university campus. Finally, OuSake offers a variety of lectures in Shanghai to spread the sake gospel.
Oct. 15. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: After falling vistim to a tsunami eight years ago, Sasaki Brewery returns with some fresh new sake. Then, an Ishikawa festival gets an English-language upgrade with the IT skills of Sakelogy. Finally, Asahi Shuzo comes up with a new brand name for its American-brewed sake right out of the blue.
Oct. 8. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Kubota gets ready to turn 35, and big changes are in the works. Then, break yourself off a piece of yuzushu Kit Kat in Japan. Finally, Nihonsakari has designed a namazake that can sit at room temperature for up to eight months without losing its freshly-squeezed taste.
Sep. 24. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The makers of Dassai recall thousands of bottles for incorrect ABV labels. Then, the hottest spot in Meguro is shaping up to be LDH Kitchen Izakaya Aobadai run by pop group Exile’s Kenchi Tachibana. Finally, does singing to sake make it taste better? Kakuboshi Co. aims to find out.
Sep. 17. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: A great opportunity to get a crash course in ochoko sake cups comes to Sydney, Australia. Then, one company is helping weary brewery owners find suitable heirs to their legacies. Finally, those who like their sake fruity ought to check out a new variety made with kiwi fruit yeast.
Sep. 10. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Gekkeikan Special Free promises the great taste of a daiginjo sake without any alcohol or sugar. Then, stop by Silencio in Hong Kong for dinner and have a glass of sake on the house. Finally, after losing a year to devastating rains, the Sake Matsuri in Hiroshima makes its triumphant return.
![Lucky Bottle [Mokkedano Tsuruoka]](https://en.sake-times.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sake-news-20190903-04-250x160.png)
Sep. 3. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Exile dancer and Sake Samurai Kenchi Tachibana joins Matsumoto Sake Brewery to create his own take on sake. Then, sake drinkers can now take up stamp collecting at the same time with an upcoming guidebook for Kanto area eateries. Finally, sake fans can take a chance with some Lucky Bottles and help quake-affected breweries in the process.
Aug. 20. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Kanpai in perfect harmony with a new set of musical brass sake cups. Then, a new type of filter that can mellow the flavor of any alcoholic drink is taking crowdfunding by storm. Finally, an entire sake brewery got accepted to a university in Hokkaido and will start operation on its campus next year.
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.
Jul. 30. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Niigata is looking for English speakers to take on their sake expert certification exam. Then, the high-capacity and low-temperature Sake Cellar fridge goes on sale. What kind of fruit goes with which kind of sake? A new survey investigates.
Jul. 23. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The International Wine Challenge names its top sake brands and breweries for 2019. Then, the Joy of Sake tasting event will return to Hawaii this year with more sake than ever before. Finally, we might get to look forward to some sake-based Valentine’s chocolate next year if Samantha Thavasa’s new project gets off the ground.
Jul. 16. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Kanpai London Craft Sake Brewery is bringing sake events and a new sake lees-brewed beer collaboration to the people of England. Then, a new trade deal with Japan will make Taiwan an even greater place to enjoy sake. Finally, the Mio Frozen helps drinkers beat the summer heat in the form of a portable, blended ice sake.
Jul. 9. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: What kind of sake does Japan drink the most and why? Then, celebrated winemaker Pascal Marty has reinvented sake yeast-fermented wine. Finally, sake information app Sakelogy is poised to take over Japan, and then the world.
Jul. 2. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Cool Japan is looking to show China, Hong Kong, and Macau how cool sake can be. Then, Kiku-Masamune is bringing their long-awaited Hyakumoku sake brand to the United States and threw a bash to celebrate. Finally, those traditional square sake cups called masu are about to get a huge upgrade with holograms and streaming audio.
Jun. 11. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: A great chance to experience scores of sake brands in one place returns to Portland at Sake Fest PDX. Then, next time someone says their drink tastes like rocket fuel, it might be a compliment as Kiddo sake is set to power the next MOMO rocket. Finally, browser game Hatakeppi is a sim game where in-game sake brewing earns real-world booze!
Jun. 4. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Japan asks the people of France how well they think sake goes with France’s own world-class food. Then, explore new brands of sake through the anime Miki No Mikoto and its limited time collab with Tokyo's Otsuka Norengai bar district. Finally, put the final touch on any bottle of sake with a high-quality samurai helmet bottle-topper based on everyone’s favorite feudal lords of Japan.
May. 28. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The famously refined Komyo sake with rice milled down to a mere 1% seimaibuai is back and more expensive than ever. Then, Fukushima takes home numerous awards at the National Sake Competition, cementing the previously disaster-stricken prefecture’s places on top. Finally, a visit to Mitoyotsuru Brewery is like no other, with art, music, and fine dining accompanying its century old sake industry.
May. 21. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Sake cocktails get their time to shine in a survey to find the very best mixes. Then, Pharrell Williams is no doubt happy to share his new sake brand, available in Kyoto. Finally, sake and shochu get a big break in Spain, being showcased at one of the country’s biggest wine competitions.
May. 14. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The big story this week is the recent presale - and almost immediate selling out - of the rare and coveted Gengai 24-year aged sake. Born in the aftermath of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, this sake defied all odds to mature into a remarkable all-natural, single-source label. If that weren’t enough, Gengai is also expanding the horizons of Japan’s prestige sake market.
May. 7. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Lots of collaborations happening in the sake world, starting with the King of Monsters and the King of one-cup sake joining forces. Then, out of the post-apocalyptic wastelands come a pair of Fist of the North Star-themed sake and shochu bottles. Finally, Shibuya remembers the beloved dog Hachiko with a special sake brewed in the pooch’s hometown of Odate.
Apr. 30. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: It’s Detroit Rock Sake as several brands of KISS Sake roll out over the year at Tower Records. Then, you can be one of the lucky owners of the first ever sake brewed in Paris by the trailblazers at WAKAZE. Finally, Gekkeikan had the brilliant idea of surveying duty free staff in order to customize a sake that appeals especially to foreign visitors.
Apr. 16. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Konishi Brewer wasn’t just thinking out loud when they suggested a sake in the shape of Ed Sheeran. Then, a guaranteed gift for the person who has everything - a Bluetooth speaker that looks like the cedar ball traditionally used by sake breweries. Finally, sake breweries are increasingly heading over to crowdfunding site Makuake, inspiring a number of groundbreaking projects.
Apr. 9. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Like the first flowers of spring, new sake bars are opening up all over Taiwan these days. Then, a long overdue fridge exclusively for sake lovers is becoming a crowdfunding magnet. Finally, this year New Zealand isn’t just bringing its best rugby players to Japan; they’re bringing their best wines to the new bar Rangitoto in Tokyo.
Apr. 2. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Run to the hills of the UK and pick up a bottle of Iron Maiden’s beer made with sake yeast this May. Then, SAKETIMES brings coverage of one of Japan’s biggest sake festivals, Niigata Sakenojin 2019. Finally, first class just wouldn’t be first class without exquisite drinks, and JAL has just announced their offerings of sake, wine, and champagne for this year.
Mar. 19. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Can’t decide whether to have sake or white wine? Why not have both with Abysse from Hananomai? Then, the great taste of just-pressed namazake can be had by anyone, anywhere, thanks to a new freezing technique. Finally, the newly opened Den Sake Brewery in Oakland is honored with a nomination at the 2019 James Beard Awards.
Mar. 12. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Hats off to Chang Hung Liang for winning a sake sommelier’s highest honor. Then, SakéOne in the US is hoping you crack open one of their new canned sake offerings. Craft Sake Week returns with a cavalcade of best sake along with delicious meals from Japan’s best restaurants and shops around Japan.
Mar. 5. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: A brand new variation of sake is delivering Parisian chefs into spiritual bliss. Then, a simple yet cleverly effective sticker may help global sake sales. Finally, 20-somethings are likely to spend more on sake for themselves and loved ones, according to a recent survey.
Feb. 12. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Wear your love of sake on your sleeve with brewery T-shirts from UNIQLO. Then, Nanbu Bijin get vegan status in a clever play that highlights sake’s inherent purity. Finally, Kubota Seppo, the strange lovechild of a sake brewery and an outerwear brand, returns for this year’s camping season!
Jan. 15. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The 2018 Dassai Design Awards come to a close with the winning design reveal below! Then, those craving sake in Finland now have a place to call home at Helsinki’s Gohan. Last, the world’s first pink sparkling sake!
Jan. 8. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Not only is New Zealand ready to compete in rugby this year in Japan, but they are bringing their sake game too, with Zenkuro. Then, will you be one of the very few lucky owners of a bottle of Link 8888, an experimental and highly exclusive sake matured in Chivas Regal barrels? Finally, Iki was an island once overflowing with sake, only to go dry 28 years ago, but one brewery has stepped up and decided to bring it back!
Dec. 25. 2018 writer:
In the news this week: Sake fans in the UK get a rare chance to sample some great fresh sake for the first time. Then, Centrair Airport in central Japan offers a helping hand with an extensive tech-assisted, multilingual sake information guide. Last, Final Fantasy makers summon brewery Kokuryu for a special edition sake celebrating hit mobile game Brave Exvius.
Dec. 4. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Dassai to Open New York Brewery / Five Niigata Sake Breweries Save Forests / Fukui Prefecture Unveils New Sake Rice
Nov. 30. 2018 writer:
We sit down with sake entrepreneur (and enthusiast!) Ryuji Ikoma to learn more about his luxury sake brand, SAKE100, his own sake journey, and the state of the drink today.
Nov. 27. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Ippudo opens Santa Monica US location / Leader in Sparkling Sake Unveils New "Mizubasho Yukihotaka Awasake" / Government to Loosen Regulations on Sake Production in Sightseeing Areas
Nov. 20. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Line of Sake Cups by Michelin-recognized Expert / Dassai Design Award / Celebration of Hakkaisan Brewery's Kosher Certification
Nov. 13. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Japanese Wine Gets Stricter Labeling Criteria / Belgium's Sake Selection / Sake Rice Farm Certificatied to Sell at Olympics
Aug. 28. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Sexy Sake Bottles / Selling Anime Sake Overseas on the EC Mall
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