Of interesting note, they have an extensive selection of one-cup sake. The shop is a relatively easy walk from Higashi-Nakano Station (northwest of Shinjuku). If you’re looking for a bite nearby, check out Tama Sushi, Heihachi (yakitori), or just a few doors down, Spice Bay SUZU (excellent curry).

If you’re in Japan, though, seek out Kaiun, too.

Now, back to that first question… what was the sake that turned on your love light?

The sake was clean and refreshing, but also had intriguing depth and complexity. I later discovered that it’s wonderful when heated, too. In our previous post, we featured the brewery’s other brand line, Takatenjin, which you can easily find in export markets like the U.S.

Having been a long-time Shizuoka resident, he recommended Kaiun. My local stand bar/liquor store at the time, Motomachi Aichiya in Yokohama (worth visiting if you’re ever in the area!), had a bottle of their junmai ginjo.

The story goes like this: over 15 years ago, before starting Sake Today, I bought my first guinomi (ceramic sake cup) from Robert Yellin’s Yakimono Gallery in Kyoto, and I asked him for a sake recommendation to enjoy with my new piece of art.

How was the idea for baba ghanoush and sake born? It comes up in our interview with sake doyenne Monica Samuels in our recent issue, Sake Today 44, and we provide a simple recipe in the issue as well. Enjoy your sipping and dipping! www.saketoday.com/get-the-maga...

We featured it in Sake Today 43 and the article is on our website: www.saketoday.com/izumibashiro...

Get the issue: www.saketoday.com/product/issu...
Or subscribe: www.saketoday.com/get-the-maga...

There are only a few thousand bottles in the wild in America, France, and England. A real treat if you have the opportunity to try some.

It takes 3~4 weeks, but they can ship it to your lodgings or residence in Japan, or arrange to have it shipped overseas. We’ve posted the feature (originally in ST32) on our website if you scroll down to “Breweries, Places to Drink & More”: www.saketoday.com

It’s remote, yes, but the area has stunning vistas, castle ruins, craft stores, and other attractions through the seasons. Sake Lab staff give meticulous instruction as you brew and you’re able to receive your sake later.

The old architecture provides a lovely environment for enjoying their seasonal meals. And yes, there’s English support, online reservations, takeaway bottle options… everything you need for a memorable sake experience.

www.mukune.com

Where’d you pick that up?

And yes, we always drink from ceramics (these are by one of favorites, Inayoshi Osamu).

We featured the brewery, Doi Shuzo, in Sake Today 33. And there’s another reason we like them… stay tuned (for the next post tomorrow).

While we’ve got you here… what do YOU drink at home?