Sake Revolution

Episode 190. Honjozo sometimes gets a bad rap. Somewhere along the way, "added alcohol" sake became viewed skeptically by some and Junmai sake wound up with all the glory. On Episode 190, John and Tim go back to basics to mount a defense of honjozo because as John puts it, "ginjo doesn't need a hero". In the glass we are sipping Atago no Matsu Tokubetsu Honjozo from Niizawa Jozo in Miyagi, a bottle that quietly flexes Grade A Yamadanishiki from Hyogo milled all the way down to 60%. It drinks like it — creamy, grippy, gently nutty, with a dryness that never raises its voice. Along the way we talk about what tokubetsu means and why exactly is it that Honjozo grade sakes are less common to find in the U.S. vs.  in Japan.  Join us as we go back to basics on honjozo and BYO Tonkatsu!
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Episode 189. After six years of audio-only podcasting, Sake Revolution is officially on video — and we're celebrating by doing something dangerous... dangerously delicious, that is! John and Timothy are trying their hand at a 15-million-view viral sake challenge out of Japan: dipping castella cake into a can of Kikusui Funaguchi. A sake shop called Kurand started it. Kikusui's own social media team escalated it. And now America's first sake podcast is here to find out if castella cake is really and truly sponge worthy.  Along the way, we dig into what castella cake actually is (it's not pound cake, we promise), why Funaguchi's 19% ABV is sneakier than it looks, and, critically, whether you should dunk or dribble.  Spoiler alert: one of us learned the hard way.  In any case, we are here to tell you that you can have your cake and drink it, too.  If you've been with us since the beginning, welcome to our new video format. If you're brand new — pull up a can and your favorite cake and join the party.  Kanpai!
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Episode 188. Pack your bags — and your sake glass. This week on Sake Revolution, John and Timothy kick off an exciting new series: Sake Destinations, your insider guide to buying and drinking sake like a local wherever you travel. And they're starting with the big one: Tokyo.  Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or you're a seasoned traveler looking to level up your sake itinerary, this episode is your cheat sheet. John and Timothy pull back the curtain on their personal favorites — the spots they actually go back to, trip after trip to enjoy and stock up on sake. If Japan is on your bucket list — or already on your calendar — this one is essential listening. Kanpai!
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Episode 187. Ever wonder where the sake bomb actually came from? Spoiler alert: it probably wasn't Japan. This week on Sake Revolution, John and Tim dive headfirst into one of the most divisive topics in sake culture — the sake bomb. From its surprising roots in the 19th century boilermaker, to a 1987 Houston newspaper ad that might just be the earliest printed record of the drink, this episode is packed with history, hot takes, and a few personal confessions. Plus, we explore the question - is the sake bomb a gateway to premium sake, or is it a bad look for sake culture? The guys weigh in — and the answer might surprise you. Sit back, relax and get ready to take sides!  Where do you stand on the sake bomb? #SakeRevolution
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Episode 186. What happens when one of Japan's most ancient art forms meets your favorite grab-and-go drink? This week on Sake Revolution, John and Tim crack open something truly special — a one cup sake housed in genuine Imari porcelain, the same fine ceramics that were traded to Europe as far back as the 1600s. The brewery behind it, Koimari Sake Brewery of Saga Prefecture, has crafted a series of five beautifully designed cups that double as collectible works of art. And when it comes time to actually taste what's inside, both hosts are caught completely off guard by a bold, bright acidity that nobody saw coming. Tune in for a tasting that's equal parts art history lesson, sake education, and pure delicious surprise.  #SakeRevolution

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