Tasting at Iwai Omotesando Tasting Some Kisaki Offerings; Queen on the Right Interesting and Appropriate Pairings As mentioned in an earlier entry, we were invited to the Kisaki Reception in Aoyoma, which was held on November 26, 2021. Iwai Omotesando, the venue, is comfortable and attractive, making it the ideal place for sampling the exceptional … Continue reading Kisaki (后): The Queen and Other Members of the Royal Family
This week we turn our attention to Himi, Toyama Prefecture. Now, some of you may be asking yourselves, “Where is that?” Well, we trust that after you read this entry and try the beverage under review you will forever remember the name “Himi” and this outstanding cider produced by SAYS FARM. First, we will answer … Continue reading SAYS Farm Cidre 2018: Capture the Sparkle Now!
No park—no ring—no afternoon gentility— No company—no nobility—No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member—No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds, November!1 The excerpt above is from “No!,” a poem by the regrettably oft-overlooked English poet Thomas Hood (1799-1845). In this short work the poet … Continue reading “No!” Is Yes This Year
Senkin is a sake brewery located in Sakura-shi, Tochigi Prefecture. The prefecture is perhaps best known for being the location of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko. However, to some people, like one of us here at drinkingjapan.org, the area in and around Nikko appears to be the annual epicenter for the release of … Continue reading Senkin: Craft Sake Opus from Australia
That opening line from the first season (1966) of that seemingly unending series known as Star Trek has long been a source of irritation for schoolmarms, pedants with way too much time on their hands, and free-floating cranks. Of course, there is nothing wrong with using a split infinitive now and again! Today, the schoolmarms … Continue reading Okuizumo Vineyards: “To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before”
Anticipating the Pop Some readers of this blog will recall the days when overseas diners would approach a plate of sushi with trepidation, fearing that its consumption might bring on—just to be a tad slangy here—the runs…or worse. Today, as we all know, sushi has gone international, and in some of its wilder overseas manifestations … Continue reading Okunota BaileyZZANTE 2016: A Traditional Method Masterpiece
This week we turn our attention to a cider produced by East Japan Railway Company. No, that’s not a mistake. Before the train leaves the station, though, we will make a few general comments. It is our opinion that the market for hard cider in Japan is potentially sizable. Why? There are several reasons. First, … Continue reading A-FACTORY Aomori Cidre Sparkling Dry: A Gateway Cider?
Drinking Japan 