We came across a large number of interesting beverages at this year’s FOODEX. Here is another one. The chrysanthemum is a very important flower in Japan: it is the Imperial family’s crest, makes its appearance in works of art, is featured as a motif on some kimono, is employed as a natural insecticide, and functions … Continue reading Five Vision Brewery’s Hoshibatake’s Chrysanthemum (つま菊) Ale
Rooster and Indian Strawberries, Sugakudo This week we feature yet another product on display at FOODEX JAPAN 2025. No, Shiraso is not handing out strawberries at their brewery, but they are located in Tochigi Prefecture, and they do have a nihon-shu with more then a tenuous connection to the fruit. As is usually the case … Continue reading Shiraso Brewery & Distillery’s “Strawberry” Offering: Tochiakane RED (とちあかね いちご酵母仕込みRED)
This is yet another interesting product featured at FOODEX Japan 2025. You can’t go wrong with a name like “Blank,” and we’re not being sarcastic here. Blank can imply that anything is possible, and innovation is welcome, which we believe is their intended meaning, if we interpreted their promotional literature correctly. Such is the case … Continue reading Beyond Cider: 01 Haskap from Blank Cider Works
The following is about another one of our encounters at FOODEX 2025. Edward Calvert (British, Appledore, Devon 1799–1833 Hackney (London)) The Cyder Feast, 1828 British, Wood engraving on India paper, laid down; third state of three; Image: 2 15/16 in. × 5 in. (7.5 × 12.7 cm) Sheet: 3 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (8.9 … Continue reading Showerings Triple Vintage Cider: An “Apple-Pie Order”
The following is about another one of our encounters at FOODEX 2025. There seems to be some kind of controversy, brouhaha, tempest in a teacup, what have you, as to how Earl Grey’s name became associated with Earl Grey tea, so we are not going to waste our readers’ valuable time on such trivia. Suffice … Continue reading Returner, Japan’s Earl Grey Tea Liqueur
This is the second installment of our FOODEX 2025 series. We’ve always had a soft spot in our hearts for Iwate Prefecture, “Land of Kappa.” Tono City, Iwate, you see, is where those mischievous little reptiloids hold court. Take our word for it: you can search the back alleys of Kappabashi, but you probably won’t … Continue reading Kikunotsukasa Shuzo’s Shichifukujin Junmai Daiginjo
Starting this week and extending over the next few months, we will occasionally be posting entries related to our coverage of FOODEX JAPAN 2025, the venue for which was Tokyo Big Sight (TBS). The picture above is that of the partially buried saw, a sculpture that appears outside TBS. We like to think of it … Continue reading FOODEX JAPAN 2025: Coffee Cherry Beer
Drinking Japan 