Hakodate Wine’s So-Called “Wine that can only be Purchased at a Winery” (ワイナリーでしか買えないワイン) Campbell Early: That Time of Year Again

Well, here we are again—we’re at the end of another year. Time to freefall onto the sofa, rewatch that unforgettable Christmas classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964), and contemplate the perils of space exploration. Oh, but what to drink? Campbell Early is a North American hybrid—Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera—that was created back in … Continue reading Hakodate Wine’s So-Called “Wine that can only be Purchased at a Winery” (ワイナリーでしか買えないワイン) Campbell Early: That Time of Year Again →

Hamada Syuzou’s “Daiyame”: A Floral Dance

Daiyame Japan is not a country that one normally associates with lichi. Or is it leechee? Perhaps litchi? Possibly lichee? Oh, what the hell, let’s go with “lychee.” These fleshy orbs encased in pericarps originated in southern China. Over the past 100 years they have found their way into a number of countries, including Jamaica, … Continue reading Hamada Syuzou’s “Daiyame”: A Floral Dance →

Rice, Tea, Beer, and Sweet Potatoes: Ogikubo Beer Kobo

Many of us are making efforts these days to support our favorite local businesses, be they restaurants, groceries, breweries, whatever. The economic devastation brought on by the policies of some governments have left the little fish gasping for air, while the big fish do swimmingly. We recently paid a visit to Ogikubo Beer Kobo, a … Continue reading Rice, Tea, Beer, and Sweet Potatoes: Ogikubo Beer Kobo →

Suntory’s Sui Japanese Gin (Compared with Kyoto Distillery’s Ki No Bi)

Gin is not an alcoholic beverage that one normally associates with Japan, but we think that after the drinking public tastes some of the gins being produced here that will change. Gin was thought to be the creation of Dr. Franciscus Sylvius, a.k.a., Franz de le Boe. This Dutch physician was, so the story goes, … Continue reading Suntory’s Sui Japanese Gin (Compared with Kyoto Distillery’s Ki No Bi) →

The Mighty Oak: Chivas Regal 12 Years Mizunara Special Edition v. Chivas Regal 12 Years

Parliament Oak The Oak and the Reeds A VERY LARGE OAK was uprooted by the wind and thrown across a stream. It fell among some Reeds, which it thus addressed: “I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds.” They replied, “You fight and contend with … Continue reading The Mighty Oak: Chivas Regal 12 Years Mizunara Special Edition v. Chivas Regal 12 Years →

Maruichi Bakushu (まるいち麦酒) Honey Ale

It’s Not What You Might Think Happy Jack with His Honey Ale Honey-based or flavored alcoholic beverages may conjure images of mead or The Archies—fictional and fulsome—singing those saccharine lyrics that replay in your head as mechanically as the contortions of a fly struggling to liberate itself from the paper to which it is stuck: … Continue reading Maruichi Bakushu (まるいち麦酒) Honey Ale →

A Day at the (Boat) Races: Heiwajima, Tokyo, Japan

On race days, you can take a free shuttle bus from Omori Station in Tokyo. Gambling and alcohol often go hand-in-hand. Even though logic would dictate that you should stop betting (or you shouldn’t even be betting at all), a little bit of alcohol may give you a false sense of invincibility and good fortune. … Continue reading A Day at the (Boat) Races: Heiwajima, Tokyo, Japan →