Description
Book SynopsisThis 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.
Trade Review"A thoroughly valuable book for anyone interested in sake, food and this corner of Japan."
—Florentyna Leow, The Japan Times
"Highly interesting and cleverly written... Discovering Yamaguchi Sake is a very nice way to discover a prefecture while highlighting the hot topic of terroir in Japanese sake."
—Chloé Cazaux Grandpierre, BKWine Magazine
"Fascinating & important. Made me want to try them all!"
—Dave Broom, award winning author of The Way of Whisky and A Sense of Place
"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), Jim’s is among the first to dive into the important concept of regionality. And it’s 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 Saké Bible and Japanese Whisky
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Glossary
Foreword
Preface
The Yamaguchi Sake Story
The Sake Breweries and Their Communities
Eastern Yamaguchi
• Connections – Agriculture
• Yamaguchi and Sake Rice
Eastern/Central Yamaguchi
• Connections – Sake Shops and Bars
Central Yamaguchi
• Connections – Doburoku and the Roots of Sake
Western Yamaguchi
• Connections – Sake and Dining
Northern Yamaguchi
• Connections – Ceramic Artists
Travel Information
• Getting to Yamaguchi
• Getting Around Yamaguchi
• Places of Interest for the Traveler and Sake Lover
