Journal

Blog

Stories of makers, ingredients, places and the decisions behind Japan's most compelling drinks.

Drink

An 8,000-Year-Old Earthen Vessel

Why Georgian Wine and the Qvevri Resonate in Bangkok in 2026 An 8,000-Year-Old Earthen Vessel—Why Georgian Wine and the Qvevri Resonate in Bangkok in 2026 Around 8,000 years ago, in what is now Georgia—a country in the Caucasus region nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea—someone placed grapes into an unglazed earthenware jar […]

Drink

Dissolving the Boundaries of a Sake Maker

HEIWA CRAFT by Heiwa Shuzo and the Fluid Intelligence of Fermentation Dissolving the Boundaries of a Sake Maker — HEIWA CRAFT by Heiwa Shuzo and the Fluid Intelligence of Fermentation “Why would a sake brewery make beer?” There is one way to answer this question: “Because it is simply another story of fermentation.” Heiwa Shuzo, […]

Drink

The Liquid Narrative

KANPAI THAILAND’s Quiet Integration into Bangkok Nippon Haku The Liquid Narrative: KANPAI THAILAND’s Quiet Integration into Bangkok Nippon Haku In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, a visitor drawn by the contemporary allure of anime or manga steps into an event venue. Their purpose may be seeking exclusive merchandise, a captivating stage performance, or the comforting […]

Drink

The Silent Synergy of Fermentation

Why Sake and Thai Cuisine Share a Common Ground The Silent Synergy of Fermentation: Why Sake and Thai Cuisine Share a Common Ground In recent years, bars and restaurants that place sake at the center of their offerings have been gently multiplying across Bangkok. Some have even begun to curate their concepts not around traditional […]

Drink

Cuisine Has Evolved. What About Drinks?

Thailand’s Dining Market Moves From “Quantity to Quality,” and the Future of Beverage Programs Cuisine Has Evolved. What About Drinks?Thailand’s Dining Market Moves From “Quantity to Quality,” and the Future of Beverage Programs Thailand’s culinary landscape continues its upward trajectory. Market projections indicate sustained expansion at an annual rate of approximately 7.6%, poised to exceed […]

Drink

Born from Medicine, Unbound by Definition

The Unfettered Evolution of Liqueur Born from Medicine, Unbound by Definition: The Unfettered Evolution of Liqueur Among the vast world of spirits, few categories possess the sheer fluidity of liqueur.At its core, a liqueur is an expression of alchemy: a spirit base—be it whisky, gin, or vodka—infused with the essence of botanicals, fruits, or spices, […]

BENIOTOME

The Genesis of Jet Black

How Time and Fortuity Shaped the World’s First Sesame Spirit The Genesis of Jet Black: How Time and Fortuity Shaped the World’s First Sesame Spirit A silhouette of lustrous jet-black rests upon the bar counter. The liquid within possesses a deep, nocturnal hue that seems to absorb the surrounding light, leaving a rich, velvety film […]

Drink

The Duality of Minabe

Two Contrasting Expressions Born from a Single Orchard The Duality of Minabe: Two Contrasting Expressions Born from a Single Orchard In Minabe, Wakayama Prefecture, the landscape is shaped by the centuries-old “Minabe-Tanabe Ume System”—a lineage of agricultural craftsmanship recognized globally as a living heritage. This is the terroir of the Nanko plum, where nature and […]

Drink

Three Hurdles a Bottle of Whisky Must Clear Before It Reaches Bangkok

Time, Taxes, and Transparency Three Hurdles a Bottle of Whisky Must Clear Before It Reaches Bangkok: Time, Taxes, and Transparency A Japanese whisky appears on the menu of a bar in Bangkok. On the surface, it seems like an ordinary bottle. Yet behind the label, a quiet shift in market dynamics has been unfolding. “We’d […]

Drink

The Architecture of Aroma

How Distillation Pressure Defined the Modern Identity of Rice Shochu The Architecture of Aroma: How Distillation Pressure Defined the Modern Identity of Rice Shochu Crafted solely from rice and fermented with rice koji, rice shochu is often perceived as a simple, gentle spirit. Yet, its reality spans a remarkably diverse spectrum. While one expression offers […]

Age Verification