By Kosuke KujiThe widespread novel coronavirus depleted supplies of rubbing alcohol across Japan early in the pandemic and created a supply shortage. Therefore, regulations were relaxed on an emergency basis for sake breweries like my own to produce rubbing alcohol, as I wrote before in this series....

Bad pairing refers to the delicious flavor diminished when sake is paired with food. Depending on the combination, the sake flavor may counter the flavor of the food, generating unpleasant aroma and texture. In many cases for example, sake may enhance the odor of fish and seafood. On the other hand,...

By Yuji MatsumotoTo be able to taste sake, the most importing to do is to identify and set your own tasting criteria. The criteria are not based on one’s preferences, so one must find the foundation that become the basis for judging various sake. One must have that foundation in place to be able to ...

By Yuji MatsumotoIn these modern days, we’re feeling less seasonality – but Japanese food has always focused on enjoying the four seasons. Indeed, veg...

By Yuji MatsumotoThe average amount an American spends at a full-fledged casual restaurant is, including beverages, about $20. If we suppose the entré...

By Yuji MatsumotoWhen we get into December, restaurants start becoming busy with year-end parties and Christmas parties, and we should start preparation from the beginning of November. During this time, wines and champagnes are consumed a lot and even served by restaurants, and it is disappointing t...

最近は当たり前になった酒とのフードペアリングだが、少し思考を変えておこなってはいかがであろうか？通常行われているのが、ワインはワイン同士、日本酒は日本酒同士、焼酎は焼酎同士の並列な比較である。これは、確かにその微妙な味の比較をするのには良いが、消費者にとって違う「こんなこと予想もしてなかった！」と喚...

By Yuji MatsumotoI often see breweries and wholesale dealers recommending their sake to local American diners at sampling events, saying, “This sake goes with any food,” “We use 100% Yamadanishiki rice,” “This is Junmai Daiginjo,” and “This is a traditional kimoto sake,” etc. However, most people (i...

By Kosuke Kuji At this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2017, “Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai” is honored to win the “Champion Sake” title!!Fro...

今回はWoodinvilleにあるワインバー、Purple Cafe and Wine Barの紹介です。ガラス張りの店舗で、外からワインの棚が見え、とてもお洒落な外観です。店内の客の年齢層も高めで、落ち着いた雰囲気でした。今回は、サラダや、スープ、パイ、揚げ物、肉料理やワイン等をいただきました。ど...