Happoshu sales rise

This via Japan Probe, CNN reports that Happoshu (synthetic beer) sales have risen strongly despite or rather because of the poor economy. Happoshu is taxed at a lower rate than normal beers because it contains less than 25 percent malt and is classed as a liquor. CNN's take is that it's almost the same as beer. Did they actually taste this stuff? It tastes really watery and synthetic and gives you one hell of an evil hangover. At a party I went to recently someone nabbed my can of lovely Sapporo beer and tried to give me Happoshu in exchange, the cheek of it! I went straight to the convenience store to buy myself real beer.

Sake with a sugared pill

Trends in Japan blog report that a new flavoured sake will be in stores from Feb 24. Made to appeal to the majority of young people who don't drink nihonshu, it will come with a funky bottle flavored in lime. Personally I like nihonshu and want to try more, masking the taste seems a shame.

Do it at home

Tis the season when public drunkenness reaches epic proportions. Many companies throw 'Bonenkai' (end of the year parties) for their employees and as a result the trains are filled with drunken revellers even more than ever. Businessmen passed out on train seats are a common sight as are piles of puke on the platforms. Yuk!

Women in Japan's wine world

My article on Japanese women who succeed in the world of wine was published in Japan Times today. I spoke to a successful wine buyer, sommelier, writer and winemaker. The lady above is Miyuki Ishisbashi and she's a wine buyer, she's a pretty amazing person. She speaks French fluently in addition to English and often jets off to France and London as part of her job. Click on this link to read more.

Bring your own bottle

Some shameless self-promotion here. I've just become the new wine columnist for Japan Times. Please read my article about matching food and wine here.