Food News

Shochu is fast on the heels as sake as the made-in-Japan drink of choice. Made variously from rice, buckwheat, wheat, sweet potato or even corn, this traditional distilled liquor has delicious depth of flavour and is just at home mixed into a cocktail as it is poured over ice. Shochu also uses koji, a fermentation starter also used in soy sauce and miso, and the koji used (white, black or yellow) will affect shochu, changing the colour, flavour and aroma of the finished product. It’s been drunk for many years in Japan, but in the past few years has been enjoyed a distinct surge in popularity – and now the word is spreading in the UK. There are two events taking place in London next week for the budding shochu enthusiast and seasoned expert alike.

There are two exciting shochu tasting events in February 2011. The first is an open invitation event by JETRO to attend The Embassy of Japan for an exclusive tasting of shochu brewed in Kyushu, the most southern of the four main islands of Japan. The shochu will be accompanied by food tasting, product presentation and speeches. Saki Bar & Food Emporium has also teamed up with JETRO and the Japan Centre to present a fabulous evening of tasting and learning, with cocktails and food pairings for trade professionals. Find all the details below.

Kyushu Shochu & Food Tasting at The Embassy of Japan
Date & Time:	Friday 25 February, 18:00-20:00
Location:	The Embassy of Japan 101 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7JT
Contact:	JETRO London on Agra_london@jetro.go.jp *Prior registration is essential
Details:	Click here

Kyushu Shochu Trade Tasting at Saki Bar & Food Emporium
Date & Time:	Thursday 24 February, 18:00-21:30 (Shochu Master Class 19:00-20:00, Cocktails & Food Pairing, 20:00-21:00)
Location:	Saki Bar & Food Emporium
Contact:	JETRO London on info@saki-food.com *Trade professionals only. *Prior registration is essential
Details:	Click here