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For the sake of it: a selection of Japanese tipples
You’ve probably tried sake and know about the Japanese love of fine whisky, but there are other intriguing alternatives such as shochu, speciality gins and tea
If the recent Olympics have triggered a desire to plunge into all things Japanese, don’t overlook the drinks. You’re probably already familiar with the country’s big lager brands such as Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo, and may well have tried sake (taken warm, as many people do, rather than cold, which is what the finer sakes deserve), but Japanese whisky? Gin? Shochu? There’s a lot to get your head around.
Whisky is a good place to start even, and perhaps especially, if you don’t think of yourself as a whisky drinker. It’s typically subtler, sweeter and less peaty than Scotch (although it often contains Scotch whisky) and less butch than bourbon, though some brands, such as Mars Maltage “Cosmo” and Tougouchi Premium, are made in a more American style. Like bourbon, they’re commonly drunk on the rocks or diluted with soda or ginger ale as a highball. Contemporary brands such as Nikka Days (see today’s picks) and Tenjaku blended whisky (£28 Sainsbury’s, 40%) are designed to be diluted and drink well as cocktails. Then there are the likes of Nikka’s Miyagikyo (£68.94 Master of Malt, £74.95 The Whisky Exchange, 45%), with its lovely overtones of red apple peel, that are better suited to contemplative sipping. Or, for a low-alcohol alternative to whisky, try shochu, which is like a slightly more alcoholic sake.