In a few days, the second edition of Spirits of Japan will be held in Paris, an event that revolves around Japanese culture but especially the spirits of the Rising Sun. This show reserved for professionals but also open to individuals will take place on November 11, 12 and 13 in the capital. Paris will host 10 categories of spirits and 100 products for tasting at Atelier Richelieu (60, rue Richelieu – 75002 Paris), including a famous and unique black sake!
Like last year, I would have the pleasure of giving two conferences on Japanese liquids. I will be able to speak to the public, share, exchange and we will be able to taste together a beautiful selection of products in line with ingredients that can be found down the street, at the local supermarket.
– Sunday, November 12 at 4:30 p.m.: “Varieties and diversity of Japanese alcoholic beverages” – conference open to all lovers of liquids with a tasting of 9 different matching products.
– Monday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m.: “The basics of Japanese sake, diversity and trends around Japanese alcoholic beverages” – conference for professionals in the sector with a tasting of 9 different matching products.
For this new article and therefore for my radio appearance on France Bleu Gironde on October 31, 2023, I offer you a little game to discover Japanese alcohols: a Questions for a Lampion (we had to find something fun and offbeat n ‘isn’t it?). And for once I decided to film myself because my friends from the blogger team do the same so if you want to listen to my radio appearance again it’s on the link at the bottom of the article as usual but if you want to have the immeasurable pleasure of seeing me in action is here!
Are you ready for Questions for a Lantern ?
Question 1: “I am an alcohol that has existed in Japan for several centuries. My raw material needs a subtropical climate to grow and this sweet plant has made other islands such as Martinique or Guadeloupe famous. However, it is only since the 1940s that I have been marketed in Japan under my official name and there are 18 distilleries as of June 2022. I am… I am… Rum! “
Question 2: “I am one of the French’s favorite Japanese alcohols, production of which has practically doubled in recent years because I am sweet and fruity. I can be made from sake or shochu but in all cases I come from maceration. I even have a Geographical Indication in Wakayama whose ambassador is Amandine Pastourel, the delicious Chef Sommelier at La Dame de Pic in Paris. I am… I am… The Umeshu”
Question 3: “Born in the south of Japan in the 15th century, I am the spirit made in Japan. According to the legislation, 55 ingredients are authorized in my production but the most popular are rice, sweet potato, barley, cane sugar and buckwheat. Known for my versatility as I can be consumed alone, on ice, cut with cold water, hot water, sparkling water and even in cocktails. I am the darling of mixologists like MOF bartender Christophe Davoine or Colin Field, former head bartender at the Ritz, considered one of the greatest bartenders in the world. I am… I am… The Shochu!”
Question 4: “It was in 2016 that the Japanese version of this international spirit was created. My aromatic base comes from juniper berry. In Japan, the originality card is played with Japanese botanicals such as yuzu, sansho pepper, green tea, cherry blossom and even Japanese cypress. I am the basis of great cocktails like the Martini Dry but especially of another eponymous mixture with a tonic. I am… I am… Gin! “
Question 5: “I am not a spirit and yet a lot of people think I am because my name means “white alcohol” in Asia. The quintessential alcoholic drink from Japan, your Chloé Cazaux Grandpierre is a specialist and is very soon releasing her book around 111 production houses from EMONS editions. I am currently very popular in France, particularly in Michelin-starred restaurants: it is not Xavier Thuizat, MOF Sommelier and Best Sommelier of France, Head Sommelier of Crillon, who will contradict me. I am… I am… The Nihonshu!”
And finally the last question from Questions pour un Lampion! Question 6: “Many consumers think that my arrival in Japan is recent but in fact, I am a spirit produced in the Land of the Rising Sun since the 1920s. I am at the origin of very big brands like Suntory or Nikka. Fans of this spirit believe that the Japanese signature is unique and is extremely popular. My legislation also had to be changed because there were abuses: from now on I must be distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. I am… I am… Whisky! »
So, how many alcoholic drinks did you manage to find for Questions for a Lantern ? Don’t hesitate to tell me in the comments.
#France Bleu Gironde broadcast from October 31, 2023 with Marie-Corine Cailleteau: click on the link to listen to the replay more easily!
