Discovering Yamaguchi Sake: A Tasters Guide to Breweries, Culture, and Terrain

(Paperback)

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This book is the first of its kind, a deep-dive into a single sake-producing region to highlight its delicious brews as well as the people, land, and culture behind them. Brewing in Yamaguchi in southern Honshu, Japan reflects the whole history of sake in Japan, from boom to bust to resurgence, and many of its brands, including the fabled Dassai, are now at izakaya and fine restaurants around the world. Expert Jim Rion takes us on a tour of all 23 Yamaguchi breweries to introduce the character of each and its brewmasters best picks. Along the way he provides background on such topics as rice farmers, drinkware, brewing methods, and the controversy over sake terroir (does it exist). An added bonus for travelers is a mini sightseeing guide to the region and its many delights. Illustrated with photographs and quick-reference sake labels.

Reviews

"A thoroughly valuable book for anyone interested in sake, food and this corner of Japan."

Florentyna Leow, The Japan Times

"Every prefecture in Japan has a story to its sake. History, climate, culture, and cuisine all play into these stories and inevitably lead us to a fuller appreciation of all things sake. While most books in English focus on grades and famous brands (of which Yamaguchi has its share), Jims is among the first to dive into the important concept of regionality. And its about time!"

John Gauntner, author of Sake Confidential and world-renowned sake authority

Jim Rion offers a deep and intimate look at Yamaguchi's wonderful sake tradition. The result isn't only an illuminating look at the people who make the drink, but also a fascinating examination on how the region and its culture influence it. Let's drink to that. Kanpai!

Brian Ashcraft, author of The Japanese Sak Bible and Japanese Whisky

Author Bio

Jim Rion is a licensed international kikizakeshi (sake sommelier), certified sake professional, and freelance translator and writer working in the sake industry since 2018. He has lived in Yamaguchi Prefecture since 2004. He took his first sake brewery tour in 2008, and with it discovered a whole new world to explore.

Melinda Joe is an American journalist based in Tokyo, Japan. Her food writing has appeared in publications such as Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Departures Magazine and has been translated into four languages. She writes about Japanese drinks in her column for The Japan Times, "Kanpai Culture." A certified sake and wine specialist, she is a panel chair for the sake division at Londons International Wine Challenge.