75 episodes

Distilled 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.

Japan Distilled Christopher Pellegrini, Stephen Lyman

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 55 Ratings

Distilled 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.

    Award Winning Aloha Whisky Bar: a chat with David Tsujimoto

    Award Winning Aloha Whisky Bar: a chat with David Tsujimoto

    In 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.

    • 29 min
    Shochu Trends 2024

    Shochu Trends 2024

    In episode 72 our hosts reflect on a massive increase in awareness for shochu in awamori overseas and wonder about what 2024 has in store.

    • 37 min
    Koji and Agave Spirits: a chat with Emma Janzen on these beautiful traditions

    Koji and Agave Spirits: a chat with Emma Janzen on these beautiful traditions

    In 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.

    • 59 min
    Succession Challenge(s): how to pass the baton

    Succession Challenge(s): how to pass the baton

    In episode 70, Stephen reflects on succession challenges in small family distilleries on his first solo podcast for Japan Distilled. 

    • 28 min
    Imbibe in Kyushu: Interview with Paul Clarke

    Imbibe in Kyushu: Interview with Paul Clarke

    In episode 69, Stephen chats with editor in chief of Imbibe Magazine, Paul Clarke, toward the end of their Imbibe in Kyushu Distillery Tour.

    • 29 min
    What is that?! Spirits Evaluation

    What is that?! Spirits Evaluation

    In episode 68 of the Japan Distilled podcast, Stephen puts Christopher on the spot with an impromptu spirits evaluation.

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
55 Ratings

55 Ratings

AichJayEff ,

Chuhai Kanpei

I only wish I’d known about this podcast before my trip to Japan. Informative and fun.

AKalthoff ,

Fantastic, in-depth exploration

Christopher and Steven are true enthusiasts. Explore the varied regions of Japan through a glass with them as guides.

cal_b4_earthquake ,

Great resource

Another helpful tool on Japanese Spirits!

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