The Japanese Bar Newsletter 008

Roga Junmai Daiginjo: Premium L.A. Sake

Roga Junmai Daiginjo is an elegant and fruity sake from the innovative Yaegaki brewery in California. It offers a rare combination of premium Yamada Nishiki rice, a low carbon footprint, and an affordable price. Roga might be the best value Junmai Daiginjo in the states.

This sponsored post will explain why we like Roga, what it tastes like, and where to get your own. You’ll also find food pairing recommendations, serving suggestions, and more.


Iichiko Silhouette: Review and Price

Iichiko is probably the biggest name in shochu worldwide. Their smooth and feather-light Silhouette brand is the flagship product driving their success. It’s the ultimate gateway shochu.

What’s the secret to Iichiko Silhouette’s success? A combination of low price, clean drinkability, and sharp marketing deserves some of the credit.

This post will explore where you can find Iichiko Silhouette, its tasting notes, serving and cocktail recommendations, and pairings that work. 


Baeren Weizen: 100 Year Beer

There’s no post about Baeren Weizen this week, but we’re a huge fan of their beers. They use old-school German brewing equipment and 100-year-old recipes.

Baeren is one of the best Japanese craft breweries importing to the US.

Pictured is their hefeweizen. It’s a rockstar with Mexican, Thai, and Indian food.


Sake Rice Production: The Top 39 Types of Sakamai

An infographic of sake rice production in Japan.

Shuzokotekimai (shuu zoh koh tek kii my) are rice strains used specifically to brew sake. Above is an infographic we created ranking the top sake rice by production volume (2018).

If you want to learn more about sake rice, check out our extensive guide. Learn the most important cultivars, where they’re grown, the sake made with them, what they taste like, and more.


Japanese Alcohol: the Best of the Internet

Undersea-Aged Wine Project to Revitalize East Japan

A new project on Japan’s east coast aims to expand the local economy and the livelihoods of its fisherman. Wine aged under the sea hits the Tokyo market covered in barnacles and the promise of something unique.

It sounds gimmicky but interesting. Not going to lie, we’d buy one.

Get the story from Mainichi.

Onikishi Japanese Whisky Launches in Hong Kong and China

Another so-called Japanese whisky hits the market. Milestone Beverage is launching Onikishi blended whisky in Hong Kong and China. Australia and the EU are next.

The proliferation of fake Japanese whisky is a disappointing reality consumers should be wary of. Stay vigilant friends.

Check out the marketing copy from The Spirits Business.

The Lemon Sour Boom in Japan

Coinciding with the coronavirus pandemic, lemon-based beverages are becoming increasingly popular in Japan. Mixing lemon juice with korui (multiple distilled) shochu is especially catching fire.

Drink to your health in 2021 with another solid Mainichi article.


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