The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks: Sake, Shochu, Japanese Whisky, Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Other Beverages

Once you've stumbled into the world of Japanese drinks, you'll never make your way out--nor would you want to! This little island nation, perhaps because of its relative historical isolation, has come up with a vast array of distinct and delicious alcoholic beverages: some unique to Japan (sake, shochu, umeshu, etc.) and others that involve unique twists on traditional western drinks (beer, whisky, etc.). There is already a small number of high quality books on different Japanese drinks (I'm thinking of John Gaunter's books on sake, Pellegrini's Shochu Handbook, and Ashcraft's Japanese Whisky, to name just a few) and so I wondered how this book would contribute to the small but impressive body of works in English on the subject.To my delight, this book fit in nicely, both in terms of style (informative and yet conversational) and substance (the book shines particularly in its treatment of less-discussed Japanese drinks: namely shochu, awamori, umeshu, beer, and wine). Balancing information on the history of the drink, how it is made, where and how you can drink it, along with interesting and evocative photographs, the book makes for an easy and quick read. However, even as someone who considers themselves well-versed on the subject, I still learned a lot--in particular about the drinks where Japan is still coming into its own: wine and (craft) beer.If you are interested in just one type of drink in particular, say sake or whisky, you might instead prefer one of the specialist books I mentioned earlier. But for someone interested in the pantheon of Japanese drinks, this is your one-stop reference whether you are a novice or a pro. The only danger in buying it: this book will definitely make you want to set off to check out all the fascinating places that it references. Highly recommended.

Stephen Lyman has joined the select few non-Japanese educators (Jon Gauntner, Philip Harper, Christopher Pellegrini…) bringing authoritative and rigorously researcher materials to the English speaking audience.This book is one of the most have books for those looking to learn about the traditions of Japanese Alcohol. Anyone looking to go deeper should check out the Japan Distilled podcast hosted by Stephen Lyman and Christopher Pellegrini and their YouTube channel (Japan Distilled) which archives their weekly live stream, Shochu’sday.

This book manages the rare feat of being both the most comprehensive book on Japanese drinks in English and being an enjoyable read. Whether your interest is in Japanese drinks and cuisine or, even better, in drinks - with Japanese drinks being new to you - this is a necessary addition to your bookcase. (If you're a whisky fan, imagine equal parts Michael Jackson and Iain Banks.)I have lived in Japan for nearly 20 years and have visited every kind of bar, izakaya, restaurant, brewery, distillery, liquor store, and festival under the sun, but I still learned a lot and had a good time doing so.

This is an important reference book, both for professionals and those new to the space. Mr. Lyman has created a masterwork on the history of Japanese alcohol, with an in-depth knowledge of Japanese culture, yet from a western perspective. A wonderful tome for those who require more understanding about this exotic and marvelous Japanese tradition.Though I have a lot of understanding and experience with Japanese Nihonshu, Shochu and Whisky, I certainly benefitted greatly from his insight and found there was much to know and love. I have a new checklist of drinks to try! Thank you Stephen!

This was a birthday gift for my husband and he loved it. Great photos and drink history. Perfect gift for a cocktails aficionado.

This book is extensively researched and well written. There is also beautiful photography. If you are into Japanese drinks in any way, you must read this book.Mark Goldberg - Founder of Sake Collective

A wonderful addition to my book collection. Such great information on beverages from Japan that for the most part are very misunderstood. Pick up a copy and explore the world of sake, sochu, whiskey and more.

Well written and comprehensive guide to all things alcohol in Japan, both native to the Island and imported from abroad. Regardless of your level of knowledge about Japanese alcohol traditions, you will learn something from this book. Highly recommended.

Llegó un poco dañado del cartoncito qué cubre el libro, pero me encantó, información super detallada de bebidas japonesas. Mi favorito 🍃

This book is an excellent introduction to all Japanese drinks. Stephen Lyman manages to deliver an incredible amount of useful and interesting information in a casual and conversational manner, it’s like speaking with him! This book is filled with precious references and anecdotes collected by Stephen throughout his passion-driven research. Good for people who are curious or who are hungry to learn about Japanese tipple, with the benefit of also covering other varieties in the spirits and brewed world of Japanese drinks.

This book offers a great, broad introduction to Japan's drinking culture and products. The shochu section is particularly in-depth and valuable, I found, as a total beginner in the subject.For those who have a beginning interest in Japan's alcohol culture, this is essential reading, and those with an existing base will find the impassioned descriptions and cultural investigation gripping.It might be hard on the wallet, though, because you will want to buy so many great bottles after reading!