TPJ Koji Mold: The Heart of Sake Brewing Koji mold ( Aspergillus oryzae ), known as 麹 (koji) in Japanese, is a crucial element in the sake brewing process. It serves as the transformative catalyst that converts starches in rice into fermenta... Nov 21, 2024
TPJ Behind the Scenes: Meet the Kuramoto (Breweries) and Toji (Brewmasters) of Sake Brewing In the world of sake brewing, two figures are indispensable: the kuramoto (蔵元), or the brewery owner, and the toji (杜氏), the brewmaster. The kuramoto oversees the brewery’s vision, often embodying gen... Nov 19, 2024
TPJ Exploring Regional Sake: How Terroir Influences Flavor In wine, terroir refers to the unique environmental factors—soil, climate, and geography—that influence the flavor and quality of each grape. For sake, a similar concept applies. Japan’s varied landsc... Nov 17, 2024
TPJ Pairing Sake with Food: A Guide to Perfect Combinations Pairing sake with food isn’t just about finding a drink to accompany your meal. Sake, with its wide range of flavor profiles—from light and fruity to rich and umami-laden—can elevate the dining experi... Nov 9, 2024
TPJ Unveiling Koshu: The Aged Sake Experience For many sake enthusiasts, Koshu (aged sake) offers a delightful departure from the familiar. This unique style, often referred to as "vintage sake," presents a layered, complex drinking experience sh... Oct 25, 2024
TPJ A Journey Through Time: The History of Sake in Japan Sake (日本酒) has a long and rich history intertwined with Japan’s cultural, religious, and agricultural developments. From its early beginnings as a simple fermented beverage to the highly refined drink... Oct 23, 2024
TPJ Sake in Literature: The Cultural Significance of Japan's National Drink Sake (日本酒, Nihonshu) is more than just Japan's national drink; it is woven deeply into the fabric of the country's culture, history, and even its literature. From ancient poems to modern novels, sake ... Oct 21, 2024
TPJ The Magic of Water: How Water Influences Sake Brewing Water is the cornerstone of sake brewing, shaping everything from its flavor profile to its mouthfeel. Not just any water will do—its mineral content, purity, and origin have a significant impact on t... Oct 19, 2024
TPJ How to Read a Sake Label: Deciphering the Details Sake labels may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the basic components, they become a valuable guide to the sake inside the bottle. Each element on the label gives insight into the brew... Oct 17, 2024
TPJ Demystifying Seimaibuai: The Importance of Rice Polishing Ratios in Sake One of the most intriguing aspects of sake brewing is a term you might have come across: Seimaibuai (精米歩合). While it might seem complex, this concept holds the key to understanding how sake gets its f... Oct 15, 2024
TPJ Sake Bottle Sizes Explained: Understanding 720ml (Yongobin) vs. 1.8L (Isshobin) Bottles Sake comes in a range of bottle sizes, with two of the most common being the 720ml bottle (四合瓶, Yongobin) and the 1.8L bottle (一升瓶, Isshobin) . Each bottle size serves its purpose in different setting... Oct 13, 2024
TPJ An Introduction to the Four Main Types of Sake Sake (酒) is a celebrated Japanese beverage with a rich history, deeply tied to culture and craftsmanship. Understanding the different types of sake— Junmai (純米), Honjozo (本醸造), Ginjo (吟醸), and Daiginj... Oct 11, 2024
