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, you’ll learn conversation topics that will be handy when you’re talking to Japanese people. |
| I’m Eric. |
| In this lesson we will talk about the "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 “Five Big” 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 “low-malt beers” (J:Happo-shu). These less-expensive, beer-like beverages have a similar flavor to beers, but they have a slightly lighter taste. |
| 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（J: 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 we’ll see you next time. |
| Until then, bye! |
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