Season 1. Episode 44. Last week was an exploration of bargain brews, so this week it only seems natural to dip our toes into the world of "bougie brews" - and by that we mean sakes that cost over $80 per bottle.  Now this is an area that is reserved usually for special occasion or holiday sake.  But for us this week, we are discussing the virtues of paying more for that premium sake experience.  We think it goes without saying that sakes of all prices can be absolutely delicious, but when you get into the realm of the ultra-premium sakes, can you taste a little something... different?  One area where these spendy sips seem to shine is in their texture/mouthfeel.  Extraordinarily silky and velvety textures are the norm at this price point.  It's one trick that the cheaper sakes just can't pull off.  So let's explore the joys of expensive sake and answer the question - is it worth it?!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 43. When buying sake, price is always a consideration, and compared to wine, imported premium sake usually comes at, well, a premium price. What makes a sake expensive?  The first factor is often the "seimaibuai" or rice milling rate.  The smaller the rice is milled, the more expensive the sake will be. Transportation costs also add to the cost of sake. But are there affordable sakes out there?  Can you find a good sake and a rock bottom price?  This week John and Tim explore sakes that are on the cheaper side, but still shine like a diamond. You don't have to give up good taste to enjoy premium imported sakes.  Just be aware that even the cheapest imported sakes won't be quite as affordable as imported wines, but they will bring value if you enjoy them with food and friends.  Let's discover some bargain brews!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 42. Sake Industry insider Monica Samuels had us at “Cheez-its.” When discussing the latest trends in sake and food pairing, Monica blew our minds suggesting we look into sake and junk food. Believe us, we will. Genius! Getting her start at Sushi Samba in it’s Sex-and-the-City heyday and quickly rising to manage a list of over 100 sakes at a time when most New Yorkers had never even heard of a sake cocktail. Monica tells us about her growing interest in sake that was encouraged by some impressive sake brewery visits to Japan. It wouldn’t be Sake Revolution without a tasting and Monica brought us a doozy to sink our teeth into. From Manatsuru Brewery in Fukui prefecture, we explore the fun and funky Mana 1751 Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmmai Muroka Genshu. The product of a true micro brewery, this is a Yamahai lover’s Yamahai for sure. Join us on our fun and enlightening visit with Monica Samuels!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 41. The word “futsu” in Japanese means regular or ordinary. In the sake industry, Futsushu is the word we use to refer to NON-premium sake. That is regular, ordinary or what some might call “table” sake. However, Futsushu is not one size fits all. What makes ordinary sake ordinary? Often it comes down to the rules and regulations for how premium sake is defined in Japan. With the exception of distilled alcohol, no additives are allowed in premium sake. Rules for so-called regular sake are not as strict – we are talking about the additions of acids, sugar or flavorings – none of these make the cut for premium sake. There are however some sakes that qualify for premium grades that are sold as table sake. So, once size does not fit all when it comes to the extraordinary world of regular sake!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 40.  Today we focus on another "Sake Spotlight" - this time it is the far north prefecture of Iwate.  This is a rural and and sparsely populated part of the country with a total of approximately 20 sake breweries total.  Lots of snow and agriculture, too. Despite it's remote location, sakes from Iwate have made their way around the world and Tim and John will taste two stellar examples of Iwate sake in this spotlight. We explore two well known Iwate brands - Nanbu Bijin and Tsukinowa. If you need a break from sake for any reason, be sure to try the gently competitive "Wanko Soba" challenge which is native to Iwate.  Sake and Soba have ever had a better pairing!   Join us as we dive deep into all things Iwate!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 39.  New Year's resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, but we here on the podcast are looking at our Revolution Resolutions - namely, our sake goals for 2021!  The New year is one of the most important holidays in Japan.  The Japanese flock to their local shinto shrine to pray for a healthy and auspicious new year.  One tradition that is a bit less common is the drinking of Otoso sake.  This is a medicinal sake infused with herbs and spices (cinnamon, ginger, pepper etc).  Tim and John step into the new year with some new sake goals for the new year.  For Tim, it is to drink outside his comfort zone, and as a good first step, he brings in a sweet Junmai Nigori.  John wants to buy more sake locally and hits the japckpot when he finds some wonderful premium sake at his local liquor store.  Here is a toast to 2021, hoping it brings us all more of the sake we love.Support the show

A quick look back on Sake Revolution 2020 and a few hints about whats coming up for 2021.  Happy New Year from Sake Revolution!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 38. As a follow up to Episode 22, where we met John's wife Myshell, and explored a bit what its like to be married to a sake nerd, this week the tables are turned!  Let's meet Scott, Tim's better half!  When you're not really a drinker, how much sake know-how do you really absorb over 15 years of tagging along to tastings, sake events and pairing dinners?  ...a lot more than you'd think!  Listen in as Scott tells us his favorite style of sake to pair with Sushi and he also brings one of his favorite sakes to taste with the hosts.  We are talking the smooth, creamy and cloudy Kamoizumi Ginjo Nigori.  Who doesn't love a sake that pairs with chocolate cookies that are bigger than a hockey puck?  Scott also explains some of the sake adventures he has had with Tim including a trans-pacific sake cruise and surviving the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that struck 20 minutes before their Japan vacation was set to begin. There's a lot to explore and a few laughs along the way.  And if you're not in the mood for sake, just tell 'em you'd like a Manhattan instead.Support the show

Season 1. Episode 37. You’ve got the Avengers, and your Justice League Heroes but did you know we’ve got some sake superheroes too? This week John and Tim interview Sakeman Red a.k.a Nick Matsumoto. Nick is part of team Sakeman, who describe themselves as “A team of athletic, sake superheroes who import their own brands and educate the masses!” Nick first connected with the Sakeman group through his love of judo. The first thing you’ll notice about the Sakeman group is their use of iconic and custom made luchador masks when presenting their stellar sake portfolio of sake from premium producers all around Japan – so their stuff is legit. . As Nick explains in our interview, the masks help draw attention to sake and start the conversation! Or the masks draw an invitation to wrestle! However it turns out, Sakeman is all about good sake. Thanks Nick for taking the time to teach us to work hard, train hard and drink hard!Support the show

Season 1. Episode 36. Shoe leather? Starfruit? Pheasant Skin?   Have you ever heard a - let's say - "advanced" sake aroma or taste description that left you feeling a little bit lost? What if you feel like you're not picking up on the nuance or subtlety in sake?  That is exactly the question one of our listeners asked us by email.  In this episode, John and Tim break down the process of tasting sake - Tasting with intention to study the main points of a sake.  That would be the appearance in the glass, aroma, palate/taste and finish.  We talk about each step in detail and what to do if you might be lacking the vocabulary to express what you're tasting. Also, we'll review some tips and tricks to study aromas and flavors.  In the end, the art of studying sake tasting is about enjoying sake tasting.  Learn as little or as much about tasting as interests you and helps you find a sake you love.Support the show