Shochu and Awamori Educational Resources
Shochu and awamori are some of the most delicious Japanese alcoholic beverages. And they’re also some of the least understood. If you’re looking for more insight into the world of shochu and awamori, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the best available resources to advance your knowledge.
People to Know
There are several figures in the shochu industry that are worth following. These experts have educated thousands, including yours truly.
One of the first shochu experts I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Toshio Ueno. He holds many distinctions, including being the Executive Instructor at the Sake School of America. He’s also a Master Sake Sommelier, Sake Samurai, pro spirits taster, and shochu educator. Ueno-san is someone you will want to know if you desire to make your shochu education formal.
Find him on Instagram @ueno_toshio, Facebook @toshio.ueno, and Twitter @ToshioUeno
Christopher Pellegrini is another shochu expert that you’ll want to follow. The hardest working man in shochu, Pellegrini is the author of The Shochu Handbook, stars in the weekly Shochu’sday, and is the editor of Shochu Pro. His book, which is detailed below, is perhaps my top recommendation for learning about shochu right now.
You can follow him on Instagram @christopherpellegrini and on Facebook @shochuandawamori.
The other shochu evangelist to watch out for is Stephen Lyman. His website Kanpai.us was the original shochu website. Years ago, I relied on it for information that would help me understand and sell shochu. Kanpai has been updated and is as educational as ever today. Lyman also co-authored The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks with Chris Bunting, which I’ll discuss further below.
Follow Stephen Lyman on Instagram @shochu_danji and on Facebook @StephenLyman.
Recommended Reading
Are you ready to dive into the theory of shochu and awamori? Below are two books you can get that will immediately improve your understanding of shochu. These are great resources for enthusiasts, as well as professionals looking to hone their skills.
The Shochu Handbook
This book is the top awamori and shochu resource available without taking a professional course. Inside Pellegrini’s thorough guide, you’ll discover the basics, the types of shochu, pairing and service tips, and more. He even covers pronunciation and label-reading. No matter where you start, you’re bound to learn something useful. You can have a copy immediately with Kindle or get it in print.
Get your own copy of The Shochu Handbook today. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks
This is another invaluable resource for shochu and awamori education. Japanese Drinks provides a broad overview of the two categories. It also offers lots of info on other Japanese alcoholic beverages like sake, beer, and whisky. If you’re interested in all kinds of alcohol from Japan, this is the book for you.
Get your own copy of The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jetro: Japanese External Trade Organization
Jetro has been connecting Westerners with Japanese alcoholic beverages for years. They’ve recently created a website about shochu and awamori, and it is very informative. This is a great resource for beginners to advance their shochu knowledge.
Shochu Certification from the Sake School of America
Perhaps I saved the best for last. Once you’ve exhausted these other resources, or when you’re looking for a resume-builder, it may be time for professional education. There is no better source to improve your awamori and shochu skills than with the Sake School of America. Toshio Ueno teaches their Certified Shochu Advisor certificate course. This is an exceptional resource for beverage industry pros and beverage managers.
I do not get paid by the Sake School of America. Their sake and shochu certificates have helped me immensely, and they can benefit you too.
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