The Japanese Bar Newsletter 50

five bottles of sake and a carafe

It’s warm sake season, and this week I have a fun post about some of the best kanzake brands. 

And this was also a week with some interesting and informative content about Japanese tea ceremonies, an ancient sake brewing guide translated to English, ethical business practices, and more.

a bottle of Fukushima kimoto sake

Best Warm Sake Brands

Cheap, hot sake was my introduction to this beverage. And once I took to it and learned more, I decided that good sake was always served chilled. This is a common misconception. 

Check out this post I wrote for Tippsy Sake. I touch on this idea, how heating affects aroma and flavor, the ideal warm sake, and a handful of excellent kanzake brands.

Deal of the Week: 15% Off Assorted Sake Sets

It’s still going! Get15% off assorted sets with the code SAKESETS.

As an affiliate for Tippsy Sake, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.

Japanese Food & Beverage: the Best of the Internet

Evolution of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

I know very little about tea. But I do enjoy it. So I was pretty stoked to see an article from National Geographic about the history of Japanese tea ceremonies

Any tea enthusiasts out there? Send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Epic Rice Harvest, Meager Demand

A hot year across northern Japan has led to a large rice harvest. But during the pandemic, rice consumption has been on the decline. The closure of many restaurants and bars has hit rice farmers especially hard. The sales of rice to restaurants are down over 20%. 

Learn more about the Japanese rice surplus, including how some are adapting to the challenges from NHK.

Ancient Brewing Guide Translated to English

Goshu no Nikki, the earliest sake brewing guide, has been translated into English. In Volume 21, Issue 4 of Gastronomica, author Eric Rath provides insights into early brewing techniques and variations. 

I need to get my hands on a copy.

Yoshoku: Chicken Simmered in Tomato Sauce

As part of the Gohan Lab series, chef Kuniaki Arima shares his recipe on chicken simmered in tomato sauce. Miso is incorporated into the dish. And there are some useful tips on storing miso, as well. 

Kirin Cuts Ties with Myanmar Brewery

Beer giant Kirin is finally officially cutting ties with Myanmar Brewery. This saga has been months in the making. 

Myanmar Brewery is partly owned by Myanmar’s military, which is hot garbage. Even before the coup, Kirin was aware of the military’s foul nature and had been distancing themselves from the situation. 

Learn more about the Kirin Myanmar breakup from The Irrawaddy.


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