Sake On Air

Nada: The Sleeping Giant

Sep 13, 2024

Andrew Russell, a renowned sake brewer at Kenbishi, dives into the fascinating history and cultural importance of Nada, a revered sake production area in Japan. He discusses the resilience of Nada's breweries, particularly after the devastating 1995 earthquake. The conversation also touches on the distinctively 'masculine' flavor profile of Nada sake and its modern brewing techniques. Plus, listeners get tips on where to explore this rich sake culture first-hand and insights into the region's stunning success in sake competitions.

01:06:39

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Episode guests

Andrew Russell

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Nada has a rich history and remains a cornerstone of Japanese sake production due to its innovative brewing techniques.

Despite challenges like the 1995 earthquake, Nada breweries exemplify resilience and continue to excel in quality and recognition.

The unique geography and climate of Nada, including its exceptional rice and water sources, contribute significantly to the quality of its sake.

Deep dives

History and Cultural Significance of Nada Sake

Nada has historically been a vital region for sake production, significantly influencing both Japanese culture and the global sake industry. The area's breweries have been instrumental in pioneering innovative brewing techniques, contributing greatly to the industry's development, especially in the United States. Despite facing challenges in the late 20th century, such as a significant decline in sales, Nada breweries have remained resilient and continue to thrive, gaining recognition for their commitment to quality. The recent successes at the 2024 Shinshukon Pyokai sake appraisal competition highlight Nada's enduring legacy, with nine of its breweries receiving prestigious awards.

Intro

2min

Exploring Nada's Sake Culture

4min

Nada: The Heart of Sake Brewing

33min

The Significance of Mia Misu Wellheads and the Essence of Nada Sake

3min

Exploring Nada Sake: Tradition and Taste

7min

Exploring Geographical Indications in Sake Production

2min

Resilience in Nada: Sake and Reconstruction

12min

Autumn Aspirations and Brewing Plans

2min

Nada is a well-known name in the world of sake. Almost a brand, it is associated with the area whose sake dominated the Edo (Tokyo) market in the later part of the Edo period (1603-1868), and it is still the largest sake production area in Japan.

Despite this track record, “Nada sake” can sometimes be reduced to an association with “Industrial sake” and carry a slightly negative image. We think it is important to set a few facts straight!

In this episode Andrew Russell, sake brewer at the iconic brewery Kenbishi, John Gauntner and Sebastien Lemoine discuss Nada and its sake: the area’s boundaries (across 3 cities today) and history, the sake style, the huge contribution it made to the development of the sake brewing industry (processes, tools, sakagura design).

That history was rough at times and Nada breweries last showed their strength and resilience at the occasion of the 1995 Hanshin earthquake. It led to deep changes in the area. Nada breweries can make any sake, and it should not be a surprise that Hyogo (including 9 Nada breweries) collected the largest number of gold medals at the New Sake Appraisal Competition in 2024.

Last but not least, our 3 hosts are sharing a number of tips about places our listeners can visit there to discover or experience more.

For anyone curious about Andrew Russell, make sure to check out his tours and website on OriginSake and or listen to his podcast (Sake Deep Dive, co-produced by Jim Rion)

As always, if you have questions or comments please do share them with us at questions@sakeonair.com or head over to our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook we would love to hear from you!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai! This episode has been made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association. Sake on Air was created by Potts-K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our team is Justin Potts, Miho Ota, Cindy Bissig, Sebastien Lemoine, John Gauntner, Chris Hughes, Rebekah Wilson-Lye, Marie Nagata, Christopher Pelegrini, Arline Lyons, Shuso Imada, and Frank Walter. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air.