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 →

Trip Report Part 1: Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo

The entrance is quite impressive The brand of sake from Nozaki Shuzo is Kisho, and it is sold and served throughout the Akigawa Keikoku Valley. No tastings or plant tours but there is a quaint shop on site to buy their offerings. I purchased two bottles - a Junmai Ginjo made from Yamadanishiki rice and … Continue reading Trip Report Part 1: Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo →

A Visit to Mamagotoya and the Ozawa (Sawanoi) Sake Brewery in Tokyo

Ozawa Brewery, which sells sake under the Sawanoi brand, is located on the Ome Line in western Tokyo. You can get there in about 80 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Sawanoi has a number of restaurants. Mamagotoya is the fanciest one. The food is delicious and the view is breathtaking. You can order one sake sampler... … Continue reading A Visit to Mamagotoya and the Ozawa (Sawanoi) Sake Brewery in 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” →

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 →