A fresh wave of premium sakes has officially made its debut in the Indian market, adding an exciting layer of diversity into the country’s rapidly evolving beverage scenario. We at Sake Club India were recently fortunate enough to sample these new arrivals firsthand, pairing them alongside an acclaimed multi-course spread at Kofuku New Delhi. The […]
Liquid Elegance: A Fresh Wave of Premium Sakes in India Read More »
Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) made a quiet but significant announcement on October 1, 2025. Three prefectures—Kyoto, Tottori, and Fukuoka—received Geographical Indication (GI) status for their sake, all on the same day. For those of us who follow Japanese sake closely, this was a moment worth registering. It signalled a sharpening of identity in a
The Three Newest GIs of Japanese Sake Read More »
Most Japanese sake follows a well-established path of double pasteurisation, a process that lends stability and consistency to the final brew. Yet, there exists a “raw” category that deliberately steps away from this convention. Welcome to the world of Nama Sake, or namazake as it is commonly called.Defined by its signature lift and a palpable
Nama Sake: Where Freshness Comes Alive Read More »
The recently concluded India Bartender Show had a distinctly refined Japanese soul. From the graceful art of Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) to the elegance of minimalistic cocktails, the energy was palpable. A major highlight at the fixture was an intimate Shochu tasting led by the Mizunara Group. Headed by Chandrakant Mohanty, the group is a powerhouse in Japanese spirits, with a
Time, Timber, and Tradition: The Hachi Shochu Masterclass Read More »
In conversation with Amit Goel, Director of Rad Elan Distributors , we examine how rising consumer experimentation and sustained education are reshaping India’s market for Oriental beverages. Category overview Over the past decade, how would you describe the evolution of consumer awareness and demand in India for Oriental beverages—especially Japanese sake, Japanese whisky, shochu, soju,
Willingness to Experiment Has Redefined Oriental Beverages in India Read More »
There are bottles that quietly reinforce what you already know. And then there are bottles that make you pause, to soak in their uniqueness while trying to decipher the same. KAZA G-25 Shochu from Sakagura Ohtemon falls firmly into the second category. I recently spent some time with this barley shochu, and what struck me immediately was
KAZA G-25 — When Shochu Borrows a Page from Whisky Read More »
India’s alcoholic beverages market is evolving rapidly. Rising consumer awareness and a new wave of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are reshaping how imported wines and spirits are priced, positioned and consumed in the country. Over the past few years, India has signed multiple FTAs that directly affect alcoholic beverage imports, though the benefits vary widely by product
India’s Free Trade Agreements and what these mean for Japanese Sake in the country Read More »
Discover Shiboritate, the fleeting “primeur” of sake. From Tottori’s Nakagawa Brewery to the Indian frontier, explore why this fresh sake is a must-try.
Shiboritate: The Electric Pulse of the Season Read More »
Choosing the right bottle of sake isn’t just about milling rates—it’s about setting the tone. Whether you’re hosting a lively get-together or enjoying a quiet, reflective meal, there’s always a sake that can rise to the occasion. With that in mind, we’ve put together a curated selection of sake that feels especially at home in
From Toasts to Traditions: 10 Sakes to Enjoy in this New Year Read More »
As calendars turn and resolutions are quietly formed, New Year in Japan—Shōgatsu—arrives without spectacle. The season unfolds gently, marked by an almost meditative sense of renewal. It is a time when intention matters more than exuberance, and reflection takes precedence over revelry. At the heart of these traditions sits sake—not as a celebratory indulgence, but
Sake, Shōgatsu & Sacred Sips: How Japan Welcomes the New Year Read More »
