sake poured into a cup

The Japanese Bar

Unique content for enthusiasts and professionals. Become an expert in Japanese food, sake, beer, Japanese whisky, shochu, cocktails, and more.

Not sure where to begin?

a map of Japan made of sake labels

50 Best Sake Brands

Learn about the most interesting, popular, and highest quality brands of sake. My top 50 sake guide covers some epic labels.

The list is broken down into categories to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.

No more guessing what sake you’ll like. Click below to discover some of Japan’s finest sake!

Yamazaki 12 Year Review

The Yamazaki 12 year is the quintessential Japanese whisky. Ten years ago it was under the radar. Today, it’s a status symbol.

Why is it so beloved? Well, it tastes good. Yamazaki 12 is fruity, spicy, supple, and incredibly smooth. And no Japanese whisky company is more established and respected than Yamazaki’s owner Suntory.

Click below to become an expert of this classic Japanese whisky. Learn its flavor profile, how it’s made, what it costs, collector info, similar whiskies, and more.

a platter of sushi and sashimi on a wooden board

The Complete Sushi & Sashimi Guide

What do toro, chirashi, Spanish mackerel, and kanpyo have in common? They’re all covered in this extensive guide. From legendary to obscure: it’s all here.

Take your sushi bar game pro and learn about the top ingredients, fish, rolls, classics, and more.

an illustration of traditional sake cups and glasses

Sake Cups & Carafes

Choko, guinomi, tokkuri, oh my!

Learn what’s up with your cup in this definitive sake cup guide.

Explore the pros and cons of the twelve most important modern and traditional vessel, plus where to find your own.

A flag of the best beers in Japan

Top 28 Japanese Beer

From mega brands like Sapporo and Asahi to craft brews, explore the most important Japanese beers on the market.

Let the Top 28 Japanese Beers be your guide to Japan’s best biru.

a Japanese vegetable knife on a cutting board

Japanese Kitchen Knives 101

Finding the right Japanese kitchen knives can be a challenge. There’s an array of styles and materials. And many types of knives are highly specialized.

So I wrote this guide as an introductory crash course. You’ll learn about knife types, materials and construction, history, and knife care. Click the button below to get started.

best Japanese whiskey under $100

Top Japanese Whiskies Under $100

Japanese whisky is expensive but delicious. Are there any affordable brands left?

Learn the top budget brands to look out for, what they cost, and where to get them.

saketini cocktail recipes

All About the Saketini

There are many ways to make a saketini, but most recipes are lackluster.

I’ve spent years perfecting (and botching) this classic Japanese cocktail. This post will teach you several recipe variations and the best alcohol brands to use.

an eight piece crab sushi roll

The California Roll

Yeah … the California roll. Believe it or not, it was the most significant innovation in sushi in over 100 years. Learn about its surprising history, popular ingredients, nutritional info, and more.

A Japanese whiskey label up close

Yamazaki 18 Year

Like the Yamazaki 12-year, Yamazaki 18 is too hot to handle. It’s never been cheap, but now the retail price floor is over $1000.

But make no mistake: this is a serious whisky. Learn why it’s a legend, what it tastes like, where to find good deals, and how to get your own by clicking the button below.

Bottles of soju, shochu, and awamori

What is Shochu? 16 FAQs

Shochu, Soju, Awamori? What’s the difference? Get answers to the most important shochu questions you can ask by clicking the button below.

Who am I?

Thank you for checking out my site. I’m an alcohol educator, sommelier, and Japanese food fanatic.

Click below to learn more about me.

Brad Smith