Learn about the Top 5 Alcoholic Drinks in Japan
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| Hello, and welcome to JapanesePod101.com. |
| This is Talking Japanese Culture, Season 1. |
| In this series, youโll learn conversation topics that will be handy when youโre talking to Japanese people. |
| Iโm Eric. |
| In this lesson we will talk about the โ"Top 5 Alcoholic Drinks in Japan". |
| The first topic (on the list) is |
| Beer (J: bi-ru), which is the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan, and something people usually order for the opening of a drinking party. (J: en-kai). |
| Most beers consumed in Japan are produced by the โFive Bigโ domestic breweries - (J: Asahi), |
| (J: Kirin), (J:Sapporo), (J:Sun-tori) and (J:Ebisu). |
| Because of heavy taxation on Japanese beers, these companies also produce โlow-malt beersโ (J:Happo-shu). These less-expensive, beer-like beverages have a similar flavor to beers, but they have a slightly lighter taste. ใ |
| The next topic on the list is |
| Japanese Sake (J: Nihon shu). |
| This traditional Japanese alcoholic drink is |
| made from fermented rice, and has a sweet flavor |
| with a clean, dry finish. |
| It is good to know that all Sake can be |
| divided into two groups. |
| One is (J: Junmai-shu) which is made from |
| only highly polished rice. The other kind is |
| called (J: Hon-jo-zo), which contains a small |
| amount of brewed alcohol to bring out more |
| flavor. |
| There are several Sake-making regions in Japan. |
| But among them, Niigata Prefecture is known to |
| produce the finest Sake because of its clear mountain water and high-quality rice. |
| Niigata is also a mecca for many Sake-lovers |
| because it is home of some legendary |
| brands such as (J: Koshi-no-kanbai) and (J: Hakkai-san). |
| The next topic on the list is |
| Shochu (J:Sho-chu). |
| This is a distilled spirit made of many different |
| ingredients such as wheat, rice, and potatoes. |
| There are two types of Shochu, (J:Ko) and๏ผJ: Otsu), and the main differences between them are |
| distilling method and alcohol content. |
| The Shochu classified as (J: Otsu) has a higher |
| alcohol content and a rich flavor from the ingredients. This type of Shochu is usually served straight, on the rocks or with hot water, to |
| let you enjoy the rich aroma of the main ingredient. |
| The next topic on the list is |
| Shochu Highball (J: chu-hai). This beverage is |
| made by mixing Shochu with soda and flavored |
| syrups. |
| The chuhai was originally invented in downtown Tokyo to make an affordable version of the Whiskey Highball using inexpensive and lower-quality types of Shochu. |
| But these days, we have a variety of new kinds of (J: chuhai) that use vodkas and neutral spirits instead of Shochu. |
| (J: Chuhai) is a very popular alcoholic item in |
| Japanese-style bars (J: izakaya). But you can |
| also find canned Chuhai from liquor shops, |
| convenience stores, and even vending machines. |
| The last topic on the list is |
| Plum liquor (J: ume-shu). This drink is made by |
| soaking young green plums (J:ume), that are |
| harvested in the rainy season, in Shochu liquor |
| along with crystal sugar. |
| Almost all high-quality Plum liquor is produced with the most premium kind of plum from Wakayama Prefecture, which is called |
| (J: Kishu-nankou ume). |
| Two of the best-known Plum liquor brands in Japan are (J: Choya) and (J: Takara). |
| But many Japanese people also enjoy making their own plum liquor at home, as it is believed to be a healthy drink full of calcium and fruit acid. |
| Plum liquor is very sweet and is normally drunk |
| on the rocks, straight, or with soda. |
| That's all we have for this lesson. |
| Do you have any interesting or funny stories about drinking in Japan that you want to share? Leave us a comment and let us know! |
| Thanks for listening and weโll see you next time. |
| Until then, bye! |
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Comments
HideWould you like to try chลซhai?
Hello RandomUser,
ใฆใคในใญใผใฎใใใใใใชใใฎใฏๆๅคใงใใญ๏ผ (Uisukii no osusume ga nai no wa igai desu ne! "It's surprising that there are no whisky recommendations!")
ใใไฝใ่ณชๅใใใใฐใใฉใใใ่ใใใ ใใใ (Moshi nani ka shitsumon ga areba, douzo okikikudasai. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask.") ๐
ใใใใจใใใใใพใ๏ผ
Team JapanesePod101.com
I am surprised there are no whisky recommendations !