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 “Foo 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 – @tastetranslation

 📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

Episode 12: 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! 🍸✨

Samuel’s 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

Instagram: @Boultononbooze

Breaking News Special! – Sake, an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

🎙️ 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! 🍶✨

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

 📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

 📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslation

Episode 11: 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 Keigetsu
• The Sparkling Sake Brewery
• 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 Brewery
• ⁠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! 🍾

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Erika Haigh – @_erikahaigh

📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

📢 Camilla Bonnannini – @cambonnannini

Episode 10: Meet the Team with 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 🍶

Erika’s Businesses:
Mai Sake
Moto

Instagram: @_erikahaigh

Episode 9: The State and Future of Japanese Shochu with Christopher Pellegrini: Part 2

In our latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome industry expert and Shochu ambassador Christopher Pellegrini! 🌟

Christopher, the founder of Honkaku Spirits and a certified Shochu sommelier, joins us to dive deep into the current state of Japanese Shochu and explore its future in the global market. 🍶🌍

With years of experience advocating for this traditional Japanese spirit, Christopher shares his insights on Shochu’s growing international presence and its potential to transform the cocktail scene.

Joining Christopher is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, Arline Lyons and Camilla Bonnannini as they discuss trends, challenges, and exciting opportunities for Shochu lovers and bartenders alike. Whether you’re new to Shochu or a seasoned fan, this episode is packed with expert tips, market insights, and ideas for mixing Shochu into your favorite drinks. 🍸🍹

Tune in to learn more about Shochu’s unique qualities, its cultural significance, and how it’s poised to make a big splash in the world of spirits! 🎧🍶

Episode 8: The State and Future of Japanese Shochu with Christopher Pellegrini: Part 1

In our latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome industry expert and Shochu ambassador Christopher Pellegrini! 🌟

Christopher, the founder of Honkaku Spirits and a certified Shochu sommelier, joins us to dive deep into the current state of Japanese Shochu and explore its future in the global market. 🍶🌍

With years of experience advocating for this traditional Japanese spirit, Christopher shares his insights on Shochu’s growing international presence and its potential to transform the cocktail scene.

Joining Christopher is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, Arline Lyons and Camilla Bonnannini as they discuss trends, challenges, and exciting opportunities for Shochu lovers and bartenders alike. Whether you’re new to Shochu or a seasoned fan, this episode is packed with expert tips, market insights, and ideas for mixing Shochu into your favorite drinks. 🍸🍹

Tune in to learn more about Shochu’s unique qualities, its cultural significance, and how it’s poised to make a big splash in the world of spirits! 🎧🍶

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslation

📢 Camilla Bonnannini – @cambonnannini

📢 Christopher Pellegrini – @christopherpellegrini

Episode 7: Meet the Team Sarah Stewart

Welcome to the next mini episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast!

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Sarah Stewart, a key member of our team and a true expert in the world of all things Japanese drinks.

With nearly 20 years of experience in Japanese tea, Sarah’s entry into the sake world in 2019 has quickly established her as one of the leading experts in Europe and she is now a WSET Certified Sake Educator and head of sake programming at West London Wine School as well as one of the three global instructors for the Sake Scholar Course.

Her passion for knowledge and her keen eye for detail have earned her recognition throughout the industry, as well as admiration from her fellow podcast co-hosts. Join us as we explore Sarah’s journey from tea to sake, and discover how her expertise in one beverage has enhanced her appreciation for the other.

Whether you’re a Japanese tea connoisseur, sake enthusiast, or just love learning from passionate experts, Sarah’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for an enlightening episode filled with knowledge, enthusiasm, and plenty of interesting stories!

Instagram: @sakestudies

Episode 6: Mixing with Shochu with Jane Nam: Part 2

In the latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re excited to welcome special guest Jane Nam! 🌟

Jane is a talented bartender from NYC with a background in cooking, now working at two top bars in the city. She’s on a mission to spread the word about Shochu, collaborating with Honkaku Spirits to introduce this amazing Japanese spirit to New Yorkers. 🍸🍶

Joining Jane is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, and regular guest Sarah Stewart, a passionate Shochu cocktail enthusiast. Together, they explore the major categories of Shochu and share insider tips on how to mix them into delicious cocktails, perfect for both beginners and seasoned Shochu lovers! 🍶🍹

Brands Mentioned
Koji Whisky – Takamine 8 year
Iichiko Mugi Shochu
Daiyame (lychee heavy Shochu)
Kimura Shuzo Daiginjo Kasutori
Aokage Mugi Shochu
Lento Kokuto Shochu
Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur

Bars Mentioned
Moto (London)
Agency of Record (NYC)
Shinglish (NYC)
The Pineapple Club (Birmingham)

💡 Links and Resources:
​Honkaku Spirits
​The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails by Samuel Boulton
​The Shochu Handbook by Christopher Pellegrini

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

📢 Jane Nam –  @dammitjane

Episode 5: Mixing with Shochu with Jane Nam: Part 1

In the latest episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, we’re excited to welcome special guest Jane Nam! 🌟

Jane is a talented bartender from NYC with a background in cooking, now working at two top bars in the city. She’s on a mission to spread the word about Shochu, collaborating with Honkaku Spirits to introduce this amazing Japanese spirit to New Yorkers. 🍸🍶

Joining Jane is our host Samuel Boulton, author of The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails, and regular guest Sarah Stewart, a passionate Shochu cocktail enthusiast. Together, they explore the major categories of Shochu and share insider tips on how to mix them into delicious cocktails, perfect for both beginners and seasoned Shochu lovers! 🍶🍹

Brands Mentioned
Koji Whisky – Takamine 8 year
Iichiko Mugi Shochu
Daiyame (lychee heavy Shochu)
Kimura Shuzo Daiginjo Kasutori
Aokage Mugi Shochu
Lento Kokuto Shochu
Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur

Bars Mentioned
Moto (London)
Agency of Record (NYC)
Shinglish (NYC)
The Pineapple Club (Birmingham)

💡 Links and Resources:
​Honkaku Spirits
​The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails by Samuel Boulton
​The Shochu Handbook by Christopher Pellegrini

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies

📢 Jane Nam –  @dammitjane

Episode 4: Meet the Team Arline Lyons

Welcome to the next mini episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast!

In this episode, we introduce you to Arline Lyons, an integral member of our team. Originally from Ireland, Arline stumbled upon her passion for sake through her work as a Japanese to English translator. What began as translating wine texts soon evolved into a deep love for nihonshu, fueled by the passionate people she met in the sake industry.

Join us as we explore Arline’s journey from translation to becoming a key figure in the sake world, hosting events and sharing lesser-known stories through her sake news newsletter. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese beverages, Arline’s story will captivate and enlighten you.

Tune in and immerse yourself in the world of sake with us!

Instagram: @tastetranslation

Episode 3: Sake Tourism in Hyogo and Osaka with Andrew Russell

In the third episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast, host Samuel Boulton explores sake tourism in the Hyogo and Osaka areas with regular host Arline Lyons and special guest Andrew Russell.

Andrew, a Kurabito at Kenbishi Brewery in Nada and the man behind Origin Sake Tours, shares his insider knowledge on the region’s rich sake culture.

Tune in to discover the unique experiences and hidden gems that make sake tourism in these areas a must for any enthusiast.

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslation

📢 Andrew Russell – @originsake

Episode 2: Meet the Team Camilla Bonnannini

Welcome to the first mini episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour podcast!

In this episode, we introduce you to Camilla Bonnannini, a key member of our team.

Originally from Italy and now residing in the UK, Camilla brings a rich background in fine dining and a passion for introducing the world of sake to new audiences. Join us as we dive into her journey from the vibrant culinary landscapes of Italy to her current adventures in the UK.

Discover how her experiences in high-end restaurants shaped her love for sake, and get a glimpse of the unique insights she’ll bring to the podcast.

Whether you’re a seasoned sake lover or curious about the world of Japanese beverages, Camilla’s story is sure to inspire and entertain. Tune in and raise a glass to new beginnings!

Instagram: @cambonnannini

Episode 1: How to Sell Sake

In the premiere episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, a conversational series hosted by Samuel Boulton, we dive into the fascinating world of sake sales with industry experts Arline Lyons, Sarah Stewart, and Camilla Bonnannini.

Listeners will gain insights into how we see sake being sold alongside wine. The episode covers effective sales strategies, the importance of storytelling in engaging customers, and personal journeys of the guests in the sake industry.

Tune in to boost your sake sales skills and deepen your appreciation for Japanese sake in our inaugural episode!

🎧 Listen now and follow us for more:

📢 Samuel Boulton – @boultononbooze

📢 Arline Lyons – @tastetranslation

📢 Camilla Bonnannini – @cambonnannini

📢 Sarah Stewart – @sakestudies