One of the most cheerful and kind people you could ever meet, Dr. Takamine is one of the leading academics in the field of shochu research. An increasing amount of data shows that as far as alcohol is concerned, it’s difficult to find a drink that has as many benefits as shochu. Applying Science to ShochuI recently had the opportunity to listen to a talk given by Dr. … [Read more...]
Shochu: Japan’s Best Kept Secret
This is an excellent and informative video of a talk given by shochu expert, Stephen Lyman, about Japan's lesser-known drinks. … [Read more...]
Shochu Experts around the World
Zipangu Shochu Magazine, now in its third year, has tended to focus on the people and companies that make shochu, or at the very least are based in Japan (see last year’s feature article on Chef Marc Matsumoto). This is an obvious necessity since the publication’s mission is to spread shochu’s story far and wide, something that has yet to happen on any noteworthy scale. The … [Read more...]
Chef Marc Matsumoto: Bringing Japanese Food and Shochu to an International Audience
The culinary artistry displayed on NoRecipes.com comes from the mind and creativity of Chef Marc Matsumoto. This blog is where he shares the best versions of the food that he comes up with, whether that be his take on a classic Japanese Chicken Teriyaki, or a modern Italian and Mexican mashup. Marc took some time out of his extremely busy schedule of media appearances, writing, … [Read more...]
Shochu and Awamori Day Events
November 1st is the semi-official start of the distilling season in Kyushu and Okinawa. Most distilleries are already cranking away well before that time, but the day has nevertheless been anointed "Honkaku Shochu and Awamori Day." And what a day it is! There are events all across Japan to commemorate Japan's indigenous spirits, all of which involve some volume of drinking … [Read more...]