Japan Distilled
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 54 ratingsDistilled spirits have been made in Japan for over 600 years, but even today these drinks remain unknown outside the Land of the Rising Sun. Join shochu and awamori ambassadors Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman bi-weekly for a deep dive into Japan's best kept secrets. If you enjoy exploring craft spirits from around the world, but think whisky is the most popular Japanese spirit, you are in for a treat with the Japan Distilled podcast.
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Episodes
The Iconoclastic Chuko Distillery (ep. 75)
April 10, 2024 11:22 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBIn episode 75 our hosts at long last profile the iconic and iconoclastic Chuko Distillery in Okinawa.
Whisky Rising: a chat with author Stefan VanEycken (ep. 74)
March 28, 2024 08:34 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBIn episode 74 our host Stephen Lyman sits down with author of Whisky Rising, Stefan VanEycken in Tokyo. They discuss Stefan's whisky journey, his book, and the state of Japanese whisky in 2024.
Award Winning Aloha Whisky Bar: a chat with David Tsujimoto (ep. 73)
March 14, 2024 03:32 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBIn episode 73 our host Stephen Lyman visits Aloha Whisky Bar in the Ikebukuro neighborhood of Tokyo. He and owner David Tsujimoto talk whisky discovery, the journey to bar ownership, and the state of Japanese whisky in 2024.
Shochu Trends 2024 (ep. 72)
February 28, 2024 14:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBIn episode 72 our hosts reflect on a massive increase in awareness for shochu in awamori overseas and wonder about what 2024 has in store.
Koji and Agave Spirits: a chat with Emma Janzen on these beautiful traditions (ep. 71)
January 26, 2024 01:13 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBIn episode 71 our host Stephen Lyman is joined by James Beard Award Winning Author and Journalist, Emma Janzen to talk about the similarities, differences, histories, and culture behind two of the world's most fascinating indigenous spirits traditions: agave spirits and koji spirits.
Succession Challenge(s): how to pass the baton (ep. 70)
December 14, 2023 01:04 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIn episode 70, Stephen reflects on succession challenges in small family distilleries on his first solo podcast for Japan Distilled.
Imbibe in Kyushu: Interview with Paul Clarke (ep. 69)
November 15, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBIn episode 69, Stephen chats with editor in chief of Imbibe Magazine, Paul Clarke, toward the end of their Imbibe in Kyushu Distillery Tour.
What is that?! Spirits Evaluation (Ep. 68)
October 31, 2023 03:39 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn episode 68 of the Japan Distilled podcast, Stephen puts Christopher on the spot with an impromptu spirits evaluation.
Mizu Shochu: Japan's 1st Export Brand (ep. 67)
October 17, 2023 14:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBIn episode 67, Stephen delves into the origins of Mizu Shochu with founder, Jesse Falowitz. Believed to be the 1st shochu ever developed specifically for the export market, Mizu has been a trendsetter for over a decade now.
Yabai Chuhai & Wild Skateboards: interview with Jason Rogers (ep. 66)
September 27, 2023 19:15 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBIn episode 66, Stephen chats with former professional skateboarder Jason Rogers, founder of Yabai Chuhai.
Going Deep Inside the Pot Still (ep. 65)
September 13, 2023 00:20 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBIn episode 65 of the Japan Distilled podcast, we discuss something that is often overlooked in discussions of distilled spirits production. What's happening inside the pot still?
Denver Distillery Interview: makers of Kasutori Imo Shochu (ep. 64)
August 23, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBIn episode 64, Stephen takes the show on the road and interviews Chris Anderson-Tarver of Denver Distillery in Colorado.
Kampai Planet visits Japan Distilled (ep. 63)
August 11, 2023 09:41 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBIn episode 63, Christopher Pellegrini takes the interviewer's chair as he welcomes his friend and fellow Tokyo Swallows fan, Mac Salman of Kanpai Planet.
Sanwa Shurui: The World's Greatest Spirits Maker Nobody's Ever Heard Of? (ep. 62)
July 19, 2023 04:57 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBIn episode 62, our hosts dive into our 2nd ever shochu distillery profile. This one for Sanwa Shurui, makers of iichiko shochu.
Soba Shochu (ep. 61)
July 12, 2023 00:53 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBIn the 61st episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, at long last your hosts dive into soba shochu.
Koji Cocktails on the Rise (ep. 60)
June 20, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIn the 60th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts take a long, hard look at koji cocktails. That is, cocktails made with koji based spirits.
The Charming Mitosaya Botanical Distillery (Ep. 59)
June 02, 2023 21:36 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIn Episode 59 of The Japan Distilled Podcast, your co-hosts profile Mitosaya Botanical Distillery in Chiba Prefecture, makers of some of the most interesting eau de vie we’ve ever tried.
BONUS EPISODE! Japan Distilled Koji Spirits Cocktail Competition Results (ep. 58B)
May 19, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBIn this bonus episode addendum to the 58th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, guest host Matt Alt joins Stephen Lyman to reveal and discuss the finalists for the 1st ever Japan Distilled Koji Spirits Cocktail Competition.
The Origins of Japanese Cocktail Culture (ep. 58)
May 16, 2023 14:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBIn the 58th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, guest host Matt Alt joins Stephen Lyman to discuss the origins of Japanese cocktail culture.
Funky Sanaburi Shochu (Ep. 57)
April 25, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBIn episode 57 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman is joined by author and podcaster Jim Rion for a deep dive on sanaburi shochu, one of the original forms of kasutori shochu.
A Hidden Treasure: Ryukyu Awamori (Ep. 56)
April 11, 2023 14:00 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBIn episode 56 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini & Stephen Lyman dive deeper into Ryukyu Awamori, which is the oldest distilling tradition in Japan.
The $200 Koji Spirits Home Bar Challenge (ep. 55)
March 17, 2023 02:19 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn episode 55 of the Japan Distilled podcast, Stephen & Christopher try to build a $200 USD home bar full of delicious koji spirits.
Spirits Dilution is Underrated (ep. 54)
March 03, 2023 14:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBIn episode 54 of the Japan Distilled podcast, we discuss something that is almost never talked about in spirits. Dilution. Nearly all distilled beverage alcohol has water added before bottling. Why is that? And why is it so incredibly important in Japan?
The Improbable Journey of Jokichi Takamine, Pt 2 (Ep. 53)
February 16, 2023 14:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBIn the 53rd episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, we complete Jokichi Takamine's improbable journey and reflect on his legacy. This is the 2nd in a 2 part series so if you missed episode 52, we recommend you go back and have a listen about Jokichi Takamine's formative years.
The Improbable Journey of Jokichi Takamine, Pt. 1 (Ep. 52)
February 03, 2023 14:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBIn the 52nd episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, we take you through the foundational years of the improbable and remarkable journey of the first Japanese person to ever make whiskey: Jokichi Takamine. It's probably not too much to say that Jokichi Takamine is the most important Japanese immigrant to ever live in the United States. His whiskey is just a small part of his story.
A Year of Drinking Less Dangerously (Ep. 51)
January 17, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn our 51st episode we take stock of things and decide to reflect on the effects alcohol has on our bodies while considering ways to more safely enjoy these drinks we know and love.
Our First Ever Spirits Q&A (Ep. 50)
December 30, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBIn 50th episode we have a little spirits Q&A fun with our hosts answering listener questions about topics ranging from underrated distilleries to Casper the Friendly Ghost.
Introducing the Furusawa Distillery (Ep. 49)
December 24, 2022 14:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBIn episode 49, our hosts profile Furusawa Distillery, the only distillery in Japan that has had not just one, but two female presidents. Includes a brief interview with current toji, Masako Furusawa, who is the 5th generation owner.
Weird, Unusual, Uncanny Shochu (Ep. 48)
December 06, 2022 02:03 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBIn episode 48, our hosts have a little fun by jumping into the weird, unusual, or shall we even say, uncanny shochu styles that make up a sliver of the category, but make shochu such an odd spirit to categorize.
Oita 100% Barley Shochu (Ep. 47)
November 17, 2022 14:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBIn episode 47, our hosts move beyond WTO Geographic Indications and begin exploring regional styles that do not have GI protection. Easily, the one most associated with a specific region is Oita 100% barley shochu.
Is Terroir a Dirty Word in Spirits? (Ep. 46)
October 28, 2022 14:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBIn episode 46 of the Japan Distilled podcast, our hosts tackled a a thorny topic. The concept of terroir in spirits.
Introducing Tanuki Shochu's Founders (Ep. 45)
October 14, 2022 01:09 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBIn the 45th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman has a fun chat with the founders of Africa's first shochu, Tanuki. Brought to South Africa by founders Brock Kuhlman and Ulrich Terblanche.
Sublime Satsuma Shochu (Ep. 44)
September 27, 2022 14:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBIn episode 44, our hosts finish a 3 part series into the WTO Geographic Indications with a deep dive into Satsuma Shochu, the Bordeaux of the Japanese spirits world.
Sublime Satsuma Shochu (ep. 44)
September 27, 2022 14:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBIn episode 44, our hosts finish a 3 part series into the WTO Geographic Indications with a deep dive into Satsuma Shochu, the Bordeaux of the Japanese spirits world.
Tiny Iki Shochu (Ep. 43)
September 10, 2022 06:40 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBIn episode 43, our hosts continue a 3 part exploration into the WTO Geographic Indications for shochu made in Kyushu and surrounding islands. For this episode, we dive into Iki Shochu in particular.
Tiny Iki Shochu (ep. 43)
September 10, 2022 06:40 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBIn episode 43, our hosts continue a 3 part exploration into the WTO Geographic Indications for shochu made in Kyushu and surrounding islands. For this episode, we dive into Iki Shochu in particular.
Elegant Kuma Shochu (Ep. 42)
August 25, 2022 23:48 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBIn episode 42, our hosts begin a 3 part exploration into the World Trade Organization Geographic Indications for shochu made in Kyushu and surrounding islands. For this episode, we dive into Kuma Shochu in particular.
Yeast is a Beast (Ep. 41)
August 12, 2022 00:22 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBIn episode 41 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman roll up their sleeves and dive back into a very specific aspect of alcohol production: the absolute necessity of yeast.
Silly Liquor Laws (Ep. 40)
July 27, 2022 14:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn episode 40 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman tackle the scintillating topic of absolutely absurd liquor laws in the United States. While this episode is very US-focused, we promise the episode will be entertaining for listeners worldwide who may enjoy listening to a couple of Yanks poke fun at their countrymen.
Silly Liquor Laws (ep. 40)
July 27, 2022 14:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn episode 40 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman tackle the scintillating topic of absolutely absurd liquor laws in the United States. While this episode is very US-focused, we promise the episode will be entertaining for listeners worldwide who may enjoy listening to a couple of Yanks poke fun at their countrymen.
The Most Powerful Toji Guild (Ep. 39)
July 05, 2022 02:39 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MBIn episode 39 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman introduce you to the most powerful toji guild in Japanese history, the Kurose Toji. This guild absolutely revolutionized and subsequently professionalized shochu production in the 20th century. And yet today, the guild has nearly disappeared with just a few remaining master brewer-distillers keeping their former powerhouse from going extinct.
Koji: the magical mold (Ep. 38)
June 29, 2022 00:38 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBIn episode 38 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman dive into national mold of Japan. Without koji (aspergillus oryzae, kawachi, or awamori) there would not be a Japanese culinary tradition as we understand it today. Nor would there be the Japanese spirits we all know and love.
Koji: the magical mold (ep. 38)
June 29, 2022 00:38 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBIn episode 38 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman dive into national mold of Japan. Without koji (aspergillus oryzae, kawachi, or awamori) there would not be a Japanese culinary tradition as we understand it today. Nor would there be the Japanese spirits we all know and love.
Sundays Spirits with Elliot Faber (Ep. 37)
June 16, 2022 02:06 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIn the 37th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman has a wide ranging conversation with Elliot Faber of Sundays Spirits in Hong Kong. His journey from Calgary to Scotland to Hong Kong is a winding road of adventure, opportunity, and hard work.
Sundays Spirits with Elliot Faber (ep. 37)
June 16, 2022 02:06 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIn the 37th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman has a wide ranging conversation with Elliot Faber of Sundays Spirits in Hong Kong. His journey from Calgary to Scotland to Hong Kong is a winding road of adventure, opportunity, and hard work.
The Evening Work at a Shochu Distillery (ep. 36)
May 27, 2022 14:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIn the 36th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman takes you on an auditory journey, exploring the evening work in a handmade shochu distillery. This is a departure from our usual Japan Distilled podcast as we enlist the voice over assistance of our editor Rich Pav who also incorporated all of the music and sound effects. This is part 3 in this 3 part series encompassing a day in the life of a shochu distillery. EVENING WORK CREDITS Theme Song: Begin Anywhere by ...
The Evening Work at a Shochu Distillery (Ep. 36)
May 27, 2022 14:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIn the 36th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman takes you on an auditory journey, exploring the evening work in a handmade shochu distillery. This is a departure from our usual Japan Distilled podcast as we enlist the voice over assistance of our editor Rich Pav who also incorporated all of the music and sound effects. This is part 3 in this 3 part series encompassing a day in the life of a shochu distillery. EVENING WORK CREDITS Theme Song: Begin Anywhere by ...
The Afternoon Shift in a Shochu Distillery (Ep. 35)
May 13, 2022 14:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn the 34th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman takes you on an auditory journey, working the afternoon shift in a handmade shochu distillery. This is a pretty sharp departure from our usual Japan Distilled podcast as we enlist the voice over assistance of our editor Rich Pav who also incorporated all of the music and sound effects. This is part 1 in a planned 3 part series encompassing a day in the life of a shochu distillery. MORNING SHIFT CREDITS Theme Song...
The Afternoon Shift in a Shochu Distillery (ep. 35)
May 13, 2022 14:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn the 34th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman takes you on an auditory journey, working the afternoon shift in a handmade shochu distillery. This is a pretty sharp departure from our usual Japan Distilled podcast as we enlist the voice over assistance of our editor Rich Pav who also incorporated all of the music and sound effects. This is part 1 in a planned 3 part series encompassing a day in the life of a shochu distillery. MORNING SHIFT CREDITS Theme Song...
Morning in a Shochu Distillery (Ep. 34)
April 27, 2022 13:45 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBIn the 34th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman takes you on an auditory journey, working the morning shift in a handmade shochu distillery. This is a pretty sharp departure from our usual Japan Distilled podcast as we enlist the voice over assistance of our editor Rich Pav who also incorporated all of the music and sound effects. This is part 1 in a planned 3 part series encompassing a day in the life of a shochu distillery. Credits Chill Wave by Kevin MacLeo...