Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 1 – Nabedana Kouzaki Brewery

When we think of Narita, many of us conjure up an image of the big international airport that services Tokyo, and, in so doing, overlook the other attractions deserving of our attention. Narita is far more than just an airport — it is the site of an impressive Buddhist temple, Naritasan, which is a popular … Continue reading Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 1 – Nabedana Kouzaki Brewery →

Trip Report Part 2: Akigawa Keikoku Valley and Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo

In perhaps one of her less memorable hits, Madonna chanted “Time goes by so slowly...Time goes by so slowly....” That sentiment accurately describes the Akigawa Keikoku Valley, an area that is technically part of Tokyo but a place entirely different from the typical image of a concrete jungle. Time, indeed, goes by so slowly. The … Continue reading Trip Report Part 2: Akigawa Keikoku Valley and Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo →

Woody Farm & Winery’s “The Trial Batch”

Some may find this libation from Yamagata Prefecture to be a good antidote for the malaise brought on by the rainy season and the tedium engendered by the practice of social distancing. We do not. Nevertheless, this is an interesting wine. To put it simply, it is different. Trial Batch is a blend of international varietals—50% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, … Continue reading Woody Farm & Winery’s “The Trial Batch” →

IWA 5

“You cannot step in the same river twice.” Heraclitus Heraclitus had it right, of course, but he was not writing about winemaking or sake brewing, of which he knew nothing. He was writing about life, the ever-changing nature of our existence. Some winemakers and sake brewers, with the best of intentions, attempt to still the … Continue reading IWA 5 →

Nakano Beer Kobo

Most bloggers who are in it for the long haul are aware of something called “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO). This involves steps taken to enhance the chances of one’s blog being seen by searchers and, it is hoped, visited by same. It’s better to reference the penguin in the overcoat sipping tea than it is to talk about the one sliding on … Continue reading Nakano Beer Kobo →

Miwa Shuzo’s Shirakawago Tansan Junmai Awanigori

In our last entry we reviewed this kura’s Shirakawago Junmai Nigorizake Dekitate Nama and commented that it was “dessert in a glass.” That descriptor might apply here, as well, but none of us was overly impressed with this offering. The abv is 11%, and it has a nihonshu-do of -50, which means it is very … Continue reading Miwa Shuzo’s Shirakawago Tansan Junmai Awanigori →

Miwa Shuzo’s Shirakawago Junmai Nigorizake Dekitate Nama

The sake under review today is a nigorizake from Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, home of the famous gasshō-zukuri, or thatched-roof houses, which is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Shirakawa-go is also famous for its Doburoku Festival. What is the difference between these two types of sake? “The difference between doburoku … Continue reading Miwa Shuzo’s Shirakawago Junmai Nigorizake Dekitate Nama →