In March 2025 Esquire ran a short piece entitled “Baijiu for Beginners.” For me, this kind of article is a harbinger of sorts, doing the spadework in a land that might prove fertile ground for future baijiu sales. What better way to do this than to use a cocktail or cocktails as the delivery vehicles? … Continue reading On the Road to Baijiu →

Distillation, circa 1590/1593, workshop of Philip Galle I’ve never cared much for that saying. For one thing, it is hackneyed. For another, I am not especially fond of lemonade. However, it does have its uses, especially when one is familiar with the history of distillation, a story that takes the student from perfume production all … Continue reading When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade: Rice Whisky Sou, or The Sou Rice Whisky →

Prince Genji and Princess, Katsukawa Shunsen, ca. 1820s Nothing can be more visually representative of Japan than cherry trees, with the exception of Mt. Fuji, of course. Their delicate and ephemeral blossoms have served as inspiration for countless artists and writers. Now, we can add at least one brewmaster to the list. Arakura Sakura Ale, … Continue reading Savor the Sakura →

Some say that it is not a good idea to compete with yourself. Others argue that that is the most beneficial kind of competition. I am in the latter group. When applied within the context of product development, it equates to a constant striving to improve on one’s already high standards, taking steps that are … Continue reading TOKYO HACHIOJI DISTILLERY’s Elder Flower 47: A Win-Win Competition →

Don’t know much about pesticides Don’t know much about killing flies Don’t know much about nematodes Don’t know much about toxic toads But I do know what I don’t like And how I want my rice Organic and chemical free Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,  Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, … Continue reading Wonderful World in Toyama →

Encountered at JFEX, July 2025. There was an Expo in Japan recently. In a newspaper article entitled “Expo Offers Opportunity to Drink Alcoholic Beverages from Around the World,” appearing in The Japan News on June 10, 2025, a visitor makes the following comment after having drunk a Pisco Sour, “…they [the alcoholic drinks he presumably … Continue reading Portrait of Pisco →

It was at Summer JFEX 2025 that I was arrested—stopped in my tracks—by the blowfish. No, it was not the result of having ingested a smidgen of tetrodotoxin, but owing instead to the sign on a booth and the bottles displayed on its counter announcing the presence of “Blowfish Tequila.” “What is that?” I asked … Continue reading Blowfish Tequila →