otokoyama

Episode 63. Today brings another "Sake Spotlight" adventure, focusing in on the sake from a specific prefecture. John and Timothy turn their focus up north - way up north - to Hokkaido, Japan's second largest and northern most island.  Famous for its open plains, abundant dairy and frigid winters, Hokkaido is home to just 13 sake breweries.  The largest of these breweries is Otokoyama Shuzo.  Otokoyama means "Man's Mountain" and both sakes tasted today are brewed by this well known sake brewery. Hokkaido is also emerging as a sake rice powerhouse with three new sake rice strains registered since the year 2000 - Ginpu, Suisei and Kitashizuku.  John was a recent pre-pandemic visitor to Hokkaido, so be sure to listen in for his sake bar, ramen and "footwear survival" tips to make the most of your next trip to snowbound Sapporo. See you there!

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?!