Best Awamori Podcasts (2026)

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The Latest Shochu GI: Tokyo Shimazake (ep. 92) 32:25

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2M ago32:25

32:25

In episode 92 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman take a journey to the Izu Islands to explore Tokyo Shimazake, the latest WTO GI for Honkaku Shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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International Shochu Day (ep. 91) 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

In episode 91, our hosts explain the history of International Shochu Day (Nov. 1) as well as run through some upcoming events surrounding this annual celebration.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Talking Kagoshima Shochu Culture with Maya Aley (ep. 90) 1:03:38

6M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

In episode 90, Stephen and Christopher chat with Maya Aley of Shochu Bar Roku about Kagoshima shochu culture.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Spirit of Japan: interview with director Joseph Overbey (ep. 89) 47:59

6M ago47:59

47:59

In episode 89, Stephen chats with his longtime friend and collaborator Joseph Overbey about their upcoming film, The Spirit of Japan.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Shochu Live #1 @ Umami Mart (ep. 88) 38:08

7M ago38:08

38:08

In episode 88, Stephen chats with Kayoko Akabori of Umami Mart about the 1st ever American shochu festival! Shochu Live will be held on June 28th in Oakland, CA.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Live Show! Koji Spirits Chat at Charleston Wine & Food Festival (ep. 87) 1:13:01

8M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

In episode 87, Stephen chats koji spirits in Charleston, South Carolina as a guest of Imbibe Magazine's editor in Chief, Paul Clarke (listen to episode 69 for more of his thoughts on Japanese spirits) and James Beard Award winning author, bartender, and bar owner, Julia Momose. The trio hosted a live panel discussion of koji spirits to a group of g…

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Surgeon General's Warning (ep. 86) 23:52

10M ago23:52

23:52

In episode 86, Stephen spends some time musing on the recent announcement that the U.S. Surgeon General recommends cancer warnings on beverage alcohol labels.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Okay, so who is Stephen Lyman? (ep. 85) 47:28

12M ago47:28

47:28

In episode 85, Stephen Lyman finally gets around to introducing himself.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Who is Christopher Pellegrini? (ep. 84) 45:56

12M ago45:56

45:56

In episode 84, Christopher Pellegrini finally gets around to introducing himself.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

1
Big News! UNESCO Koji Fermentation is an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ep. 83) 34:37

1y ago34:37

34:37

UNESCO Koji Fermentation recognition? In episode 83, we discuss the recent announcement that Japanese koji alcohol fermentation has been named an intangible cultural heritage.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Talking Koji Cocktails with Grant Lavrenz (ep. 82) 35:39

1+ y ago35:39

35:39

In episode 82 our host Stephen Lyman sits down at Khaluna Restaurant in Minneapolis with Grant Lavrenz who is doing amazing things with koji spirits in his cocktail program.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Nankai Shochu: a conversation with founder Paul Nakayama (ep. 81) 53:45

1+ y ago53:45

53:45

In episode 81 our host Stephen Lyman is joined by founder of Nankai Shochu, the first kokuto sugar shochu developed specifically for the US market.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The SG Shochu (ep. 80) 28:46

1+ y ago28:46

28:46

In episode 80, our hosts take a deeper look at The SG Shochu from The SG Group, lead by internationally recognized bartender, Shingo Gokan.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Gateway Shochu + Simple Serves (ep. 79) 44:04

1+ y ago44:04

44:04

In episode 79 our hosts are back in the studio to talk about gateway shochu brands and simple service styles to help introduce these spirits to unfamiliar drinkers.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Bartender's Pantry: a chat with Jim Meehan (ep. 78) 54:17

1+ y ago54:17

54:17

In episode 78 our host Stephen Lyman is joined by co-author of The Bartender's Pantry, bartender, bar owner, introvert, and writer Jim Meehan.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Death of the Soju Label Rule: a chat with Chef turned Lobbyist John McCarthy (ep. 77) 50:53

1+ y ago50:53

50:53

In episode 77 our host Stephen Lyman sits down to chat with lawyer turned chef turned lobbyist John McCarthy to discuss the end of the soju label rule for NY and CA. Of course, they also talk shochu, hospitality, and plenty else.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

1
The First Australian Shochu: interview with Hamish Nugent of Reed & Co. Distillery 46:22

1+ y ago46:22

46:22

In episode 76 our host Stephen Lyman sits down with chef turned distiller Hamish Nugent of Reed & Co. Distillery to talk trial and error, success, and the very first Australian Shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Iconoclastic Chuko Distillery (ep. 75) 45:35

1+ y ago45:35

45:35

In episode 75 our hosts at long last profile the iconic and iconoclastic Chuko Distillery in Okinawa.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Whisky Rising: a chat with author Stefan VanEycken (ep. 74) 40:23

2y ago40:23

40:23

In episode 74 our host Stephen Lyman sits down with author of Whisky Rising, Stefan VanEycken in Tokyo. They discuss Stefan's whisky journey, his book, and the state of Japanese whisky in 2024.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Award Winning Aloha Whisky Bar: a chat with David Tsujimoto (ep. 73) 29:36

2y ago29:36

29:36

In episode 73 our host Stephen Lyman visits Aloha Whisky Bar in the Ikebukuro neighborhood of Tokyo. He and owner David Tsujimoto talk whisky discovery, the journey to bar ownership, and the state of Japanese whisky in 2024.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Shochu Trends 2024 (ep. 72) 37:30

2y ago37:30

37:30

In episode 72 our hosts reflect on a massive increase in awareness for shochu in awamori overseas and wonder about what 2024 has in store.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Koji and Agave Spirits: a chat with Emma Janzen on these beautiful traditions (ep. 71) 59:41

2y ago59:41

59:41

In episode 71 our host Stephen Lyman is joined by James Beard Award Winning Author and Journalist, Emma Janzen to talk about the similarities, differences, histories, and culture behind two of the world's most fascinating indigenous spirits traditions: agave spirits and koji spirits.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Succession Challenge(s): how to pass the baton (ep. 70) 28:29

2y ago28:29

28:29

In episode 70, Stephen reflects on succession challenges in small family distilleries on his first solo podcast for Japan Distilled.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Imbibe in Kyushu: Interview with Paul Clarke (ep. 69) 29:09

2y ago29:09

29:09

In episode 69, Stephen chats with editor in chief of Imbibe Magazine, Paul Clarke, toward the end of their Imbibe in Kyushu Distillery Tour.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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What is that?! Spirits Evaluation (Ep. 68) 32:31

2y ago32:31

32:31

In episode 68 of the Japan Distilled podcast, Stephen puts Christopher on the spot with an impromptu spirits evaluation.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Mizu Shochu: Japan's 1st Export Brand (ep. 67) 55:27

2y ago55:27

55:27

In episode 67, Stephen delves into the origins of Mizu Shochu with founder, Jesse Falowitz. Believed to be the 1st shochu ever developed specifically for the export market, Mizu has been a trendsetter for over a decade now.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Yabai Chuhai & Wild Skateboards: interview with Jason Rogers (ep. 66) 40:07

2+ y ago40:07

40:07

In episode 66, Stephen chats with former professional skateboarder Jason Rogers, founder of Yabai Chuhai.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Going Deep Inside the Pot Still (ep. 65) 44:15

2+ y ago44:15

44:15

In episode 65 of the Japan Distilled podcast, we discuss something that is often overlooked in discussions of distilled spirits production. What's happening inside the pot still?By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Denver Distillery Interview: makers of Kasutori Imo Shochu (ep. 64) 42:41

2+ y ago42:41

42:41

In episode 64, Stephen takes the show on the road and interviews Chris Anderson-Tarver of Denver Distillery in Colorado.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Kampai Planet visits Japan Distilled (ep. 63) 43:51

2+ y ago43:51

43:51

In episode 63, Christopher Pellegrini takes the interviewer's chair as he welcomes his friend and fellow Tokyo Swallows fan, Mac Salman of Kanpai Planet.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Sanwa Shurui: The World's Greatest Spirits Maker Nobody's Ever Heard Of? (ep. 62) 42:16

2+ y ago42:16

42:16

In episode 62, our hosts dive into our 2nd ever shochu distillery profile. This one for Sanwa Shurui, makers of iichiko shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Soba Shochu (ep. 61) 33:01

2+ y ago33:01

33:01

In the 61st episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, at long last your hosts dive into soba shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Koji Cocktails on the Rise (ep. 60) 44:29

2+ y ago44:29

44:29

In the 60th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts take a long, hard look at koji cocktails. That is, cocktails made with koji based spirits.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Charming Mitosaya Botanical Distillery (Ep. 59) 47:44

2+ y ago47:44

47:44

In Episode 59 of The Japan Distilled Podcast, your co-hosts profile Mitosaya Botanical Distillery in Chiba Prefecture, makers of some of the most interesting eau de vie we've ever tried.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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BONUS EPISODE! Japan Distilled Koji Spirits Cocktail Competition Results (ep. 58B) 18:21

2+ y ago18:21

18:21

In this bonus episode addendum to the 58th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, guest host Matt Alt joins Stephen Lyman to reveal and discuss the finalists for the 1st ever Japan Distilled Koji Spirits Cocktail Competition.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Origins of Japanese Cocktail Culture (ep. 58) 38:22

2+ y ago38:22

38:22

In the 58th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, guest host Matt Alt joins Stephen Lyman to discuss the origins of Japanese cocktail culture.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Funky Sanaburi Shochu (Ep. 57) 33:45

2+ y ago33:45

33:45

In episode 57 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman is joined by author and podcaster Jim Rion for a deep dive on sanaburi shochu, one of the original forms of kasutori shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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A Hidden Treasure: Ryukyu Awamori (Ep. 56) 46:57

2+ y ago46:57

46:57

In episode 56 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini & Stephen Lyman dive deeper into Ryukyu Awamori, which is the oldest distilling tradition in Japan.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The $200 Koji Spirits Home Bar Challenge (ep. 55) 34:43

3y ago34:43

34:43

In episode 55 of the Japan Distilled podcast, Stephen & Christopher try to build a $200 USD home bar full of delicious koji spirits.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Spirits Dilution is Underrated (ep. 54) 37:46

3y ago37:46

37:46

In episode 54 of the Japan Distilled podcast, we discuss something that is almost never talked about in spirits. Dilution. Nearly all distilled beverage alcohol has water added before bottling. Why is that? And why is it so incredibly important in Japan?By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Improbable Journey of Jokichi Takamine, Pt 2 (Ep. 53) 41:08

3y ago41:08

41:08

In the 53rd episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, we complete Jokichi Takamine's improbable journey and reflect on his legacy. This is the 2nd in a 2 part series so if you missed episode 52, we recommend you go back and have a listen about Jokichi Takamine's formative years.By Stephen Lyman and Matt Alt

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The Improbable Journey of Jokichi Takamine, Pt. 1 (Ep. 52) 37:30

3y ago37:30

37:30

In the 52nd episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, we take you through the foundational years of the improbable and remarkable journey of the first Japanese person to ever make whiskey: Jokichi Takamine. It's probably not too much to say that Jokichi Takamine is the most important Japanese immigrant to ever live in the United States. His whiskey i…

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A Year of Drinking Less Dangerously (Ep. 51) 1:00:33

3y ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In our 51st episode we take stock of things and decide to reflect on the effects alcohol has on our bodies while considering ways to more safely enjoy these drinks we know and love.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Our First Ever Spirits Q&A (Ep. 50) 1:05:02

3y ago1:05:02

1:05:02

In 50th episode we have a little spirits Q&A fun with our hosts answering listener questions about topics ranging from underrated distilleries to Casper the Friendly Ghost.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Introducing the Furusawa Distillery (Ep. 49) 44:47

3y ago44:47

44:47

In episode 49, our hosts profile Furusawa Distillery, the only distillery in Japan that has had not just one, but two female presidents. Includes a brief interview with current toji, Masako Furusawa, who is the 5th generation owner.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Weird, Unusual, Uncanny Shochu (Ep. 48) 36:52

3y ago36:52

36:52

In episode 48, our hosts have a little fun by jumping into the weird, unusual, or shall we even say, uncanny shochu styles that make up a sliver of the category, but make shochu such an odd spirit to categorize.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Oita 100% Barley Shochu (Ep. 47) 33:32

3y ago33:32

33:32

In episode 47, our hosts move beyond WTO Geographic Indications and begin exploring regional styles that do not have GI protection. Easily, the one most associated with a specific region is Oita 100% barley shochu.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Is Terroir a Dirty Word in Spirits? (Ep. 46) 41:05

3y ago41:05

41:05

In episode 46 of the Japan Distilled podcast, our hosts tackled a a thorny topic. The concept of terroir in spirits.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Introducing Tanuki Shochu's Founders (Ep. 45) 1:03:17

3y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In the 45th episode of the Japan Distilled podcast, your host Stephen Lyman has a fun chat with the founders of Africa's first shochu, Tanuki. Brought to South Africa by founders Brock Kuhlman and Ulrich Terblanche.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Sublime Satsuma Shochu (Ep. 44) 38:24

3+ y ago38:24

38:24

In episode 44, our hosts finish a 3 part series into the WTO Geographic Indications with a deep dive into Satsuma Shochu, the Bordeaux of the Japanese spirits world.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman