The Izakaya Happy Hour

The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast – Episode 13: Fun & Novelty Packaging in the Sake Industry Welcome back to The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast! In this episode, hosts Samuel Boulton (@boultononbooze), Arline Lyons (@tastetranslation), and Sarah Stewart (@sakestudies) dive into the wild and wonderful world of fun and novelty packaging in the sake industry. From anime collaborations to seasonal releases and zodiac-themed bottles, sake makers are constantly coming up with creative ways to capture our attention—and our taste buds! What’s in this episode? 🍶 Attack on Titan sake?! – How anime collaborations are bringing new fans to the world of sake. 🍶 The “Fu Fighters” effect – When bands, brands, and brewers join forces for unique releases. 🍶 Seasonal and zodiac sake – Limited-edition designs for the Lunar New Year and beyond. 🍶 Sake for spectacle wearers – A quirky concept where only those with glasses can enjoy the drink. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast, a packaging design lover, or just here for the offbeat finds, this episode is packed with unique bottles, clever marketing, and unexpected collaborations. Grab your favorite sake and join us for another round of Izakaya Happy Hour! Kanpai! 🥂 🎧 Listen now and follow us for more: 📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze 📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslations 📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

Meet The Team with Samuel Boulton 🎙️🍸 In this special episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast, we switch things up as Erika Haigh takes the hosting spot to interview our regular host, Samuel Boulton! 🍶✨ Samuel Boulton is one of the leading drinks developers, bartenders, and consultants in the UK. Himself and his bars have received multiple accolades from prestigious organisations such as CLASS, Imbibe, Drinks Trust, Healthy Hospo, and the renowned Tales of the Cocktail. Currently, Sam works as a consultant specialising in Japanese drinks, collaborating with both local and global bars and brands. As the founder of The Sake Events Company, the UK’s largest sake-focused event company, Sam’s putting sake on the map in the UK. In addition to his work in the drinks space, Sam is also an author. His first book, The Vermouth Ambassadors Guide to Modern Drinking (2021), explored the modern world of vermouth, and his latest release, The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails (2023), brings new insight into the use of Sake & Shochu in cocktail creation. In this episode, Erika delves into Sam’s journey, from bartender to drinks consultant and author. They discuss his love for Japanese beverages, the growing sake scene in the UK, and the creative process behind his thinking. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or just curious about the world of cocktails, this episode is packed with inspiration and expert insights! 🍸✨ Books: • The Vermouth Ambassadors Guide to Modern Drinking (2021) • The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails (2023) Samuel’s Businesses: • The Sake Events Company • Kokushu Creative - www.kokushu.info Social Instagram: @Boultononbooze

🎙️ Breaking News Special! Join host Samuel Boulton as he sits down with expert Arline Lyons for a momentous episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour. Today, December 5, we celebrate the Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-Making with Koji Mold being officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together, Samuel and Arline explore what this means for sake and us as educators. Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or curious about cultural heritage, tune in now and raise a glass to history in the making! 🍶✨

🎙️🍶 Sparkling Sake? With Martin Litt 🇯🇵✨ In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton is joined by co-hosts Erika Haigh, Sarah Stewart, and Camilla Bonnannini for an exciting deep dive into the world of sparkling sake! We’re thrilled to welcome special guest Martin Litt, a wine specialist who’s new to sake, as he shares his unique perspective on the vibrant flavors and versatility of sparkling sake. 🍾✨ Together, the panel discusses the expanding market for sparkling sake, its similarities and differences to traditional sparkling wines, and the ideal occasions for enjoying these effervescent beverages. Tune in to hear insider tips on pairing sparkling sake with food, creative cocktail ideas, and recommendations for both beginners and connoisseurs alike! 🥂🍶 Products Mentioned • Bullet for My Valentine Mead • Mio • Akashi-Tai Sparkling • Shichiken Sparkling • John by Kaigetsu • The Sparkling Sake Company • Yonetsuru Rosé Sparkling • Odayaka Sparkling • Chikuha Binnai Koh Hakko Junmai • Alain Ducasse Sparkling by Shichiken • Mutsu Hassen Sparkling Sake • Aramasa 💡 Links and Resources: • ⁠The Sparkling Sake Company⁠ • ⁠Akashi-Tai⁠ • ⁠Yonetsuru⁠ • ⁠Shichiken⁠ Be sure to join us for this fun and informative episode, perfect for anyone curious about sake or looking to discover their next favorite sparkling drink! 🍾

Meet the Team: Erika Haigh 🎙️🍶 In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast, we’re delighted to introduce Erika Haigh, a key figure in the world of sake education and Japanese drinking culture. Born and raised in Japan, Erika’s love for sake has taken her across the globe, and she now calls London home. As an international kikisake-shi sommelier (SSI), Erika is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and complexity of Japanese sake to the world. Erika is the founder of Mai, a boutique Japanese fine sake merchant, and co-owner of Moto, the UK’s first independent Japanese sake bar, shop, and eatery. She holds WSET Level 3 qualifications in both wine and sake, and serves as a sake judge in the prestigious International Wine Challenge. In addition to her roles in the UK, Erika is a committee member for the British Sake Association and advises on sake projects for companies in both Japan and the UK. Tune in to hear Erika’s incredible journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s contributing to the growth of sake culture in the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned sake fan or just curious about the world of Japanese drinks, Erika’s insights are a must-listen! Bottles Mentioned: Summer Eikun 🍶 - https://www.maisake.com/shop/p/summer-eikun Erika’s Businesses: Mai Sake - https://www.maisake.com/ Moto - https://motoldn.com/ Social Media Instagram: @_erikahaigh