Sake On Air
Natsuzake Revisited
Aug 15, 2024
Miho Ohta, a key player in the nihonshu production industry, joins sake expert John Gauntner and flavors connoisseur Frank Walter to discuss natsuzake, Japan's refreshing summer sake. They explore the absence of a legal definition for natsuzake and the trending shift towards sour, low-alcohol varieties. With anecdotes on personal serving rituals and insights on the visual appeal of sake, the trio delves into the unique serving styles that make nihonshu a beloved drink even during the hottest months. Cheers to summertime flavors!
54:20
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Quick takeaways
- Natsuzake represents an innovative response by breweries to the seasonal decline in sake consumption during Japan's hot summer months.
- The evolving perception of sake, including creative serving methods like ice and mixed drinks, aims to attract new consumers in a competitive market.
Deep dives
The Origin and Evolution of Natsuzake
Natsuzake emerged as a seasonal sake crafted for the hot and humid summer months in Japan, addressing a distinct gap in the market. Prior to the early 2000s, sake breweries primarily produced fresh sake known as shinshu, which was available only from late November to around April. Recognizing the decline in sake consumption during summer, many breweries began creating lighter and fizzier options specifically for this season. This led to a diversification in sake offerings, allowing consumers to enjoy beverages better suited for warmer weather.
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