5 great sake to enjoy this autumn
Autumn is a special time for sake. To help you to choose a right sake I have selected 5 sake to drink with hearty autumn meals. I have also included a few simple tips how to choose a perfect autumn sake! Kampai!
shinkansen japan
Japan 2019: plans and schedules
“So when could we go?” my daughter asked. She meant Japan, of course. Ever since our first trip there in 2016, I have wanted to go back. I had this…
The importance of having comments
I've been writing in my blog for almost 2 years. In order to make it better I need more feedback from my readers. So I have a plea: please get in touch with me through comments, subscription or direct messages.
Sugidama Tsukimi Sake Drinks
Have you ever experienced that sweet feeling when you have been contemplating about doing something for some time and finally accomplishing it? You look back and say: Yes, we did it! Sugidama Tsukimi Sake Drinks were fun and a great opportunity to meet old and new friends with a glass of sake.
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Moonlight and… sake! What is Tsukimi?
Tsukimi (月見）is an ancient Japanese tradition of autumn moon viewing. So what did and does tsukimi involve? At the very beginning, it was a moon-viewing party at which people play music and compose poetry. I assume that Heian aristocrats were drinking sake on those parties as well.
Sake bottles in Japan House
SSI sake taste profiles
SSI taste profiles is a great way to assess and remember the sake you try. The Sake Service Institute (SSI) have divided all the sake into four categories, kun-shu, sou-shu, jun-shu and juku-shu based on two criteria: aroma and flavour. Read a brief overview of all the four profiles including examples of sake for each.
Sake and rice
What is sake made from: Rice
Rice is the essence of sake. It's the source of alcohol and gives it its flavour, aroma, texture and the character. It’s like grape to wine but slightly different.
5 sake to drink this summer
5 great sake to try this summer
Summer is a perfect time to try sake. You can enjoy a sparkling sake while chilling out in the shade, a robust junmai sake with BBQ or refined ginjo sake at a dinner party. Just look out for opportunities!
Hyakujuro Junmai Daiginjo (Black Face)
Hyakujuro Junmai Daiginjo (Black Face)
Hyakujuro Junmai Daiginjo is a sweeter sake with fruity aroma and some dried fruit and honey in the taste. It's full of umami and goes very well with hearty food like a miso marinated salmon we had with it last time.
Jin Kichi Restaurant, Hampstead
Jin Kichi: Japanese Izakaya in Hampstead
Jin Kichi is an izakaya style restaurant at the heart of Hampstead. It's got an excellent food, a decent choice of sake and great atmosphere. Here is my little review of the place.
