The Sake Education Show – Part 2

The Sake Education Show – Part 2 – Episode #694

June 24, 2009

Beau Timken continues teaching Gary Vaynerchuk about Sake while they taste 3 different kinds.

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Comments on this episode(246) Leave a comment ›

“Beau had so much to share yet Gary—in Japan from where I write–sile…” by Hakuin
“Great episode! Cool, down-to-earth peeps. Awesome show.
If I stand …” by RabidRaja
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Joto Chikurin Fukamari JunmaiJapanese Sake
Tsukinokatsura Yanagi “Willow Tree”
Taiheizan Tenko “Heavenly Grace”

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

246 Responses

June 24, 2009

NY Pete
numero uno …
June 24, 2009

dc7
very interesting
June 24, 2009

waibeans
have to nab #2.. what up NYPETE?
June 24, 2009

Joseph
You have great chemistry with this guy, GV!
June 24, 2009

BF
Hey, loved Sasha the other day as usual…
June 24, 2009

castello
Awesome!
Mostly beer in my college days. I had to have every different beer in the store. And I still do.
Of coarse now it’s wine but it’ll put me in the poor house.
June 24, 2009

NY Pete
hey Mott, did you get OT for this gig?
June 24, 2009

Mark Fitzpatrick
Ok…now I gotta step up the Sake search.

No more crappie Sake.
June 24, 2009

NY Pete
hey Will, how you been buddy?
June 24, 2009

Don
Top 10? Did I finally make it?!?!
June 24, 2009

Jason VanLue
Awesome 2-part series – by far one of my favorites, will likely watch it several times. I’m an entrepreneur so it’s inspiring to see other like-minded individuals passionate about their vision.

QOTD: About 2 years ago I tasted my first Belgian Abby Ale brewed with wild yeast…been crazy about it since.

Cheers,
JVL
June 24, 2009

Harp
Even Better than 1st Episode!!
Outstanding.

Harp
June 24, 2009

Dr T in NC
QOTD — Rose in provence, 1973, age 15
June 24, 2009

Slats
QOTD: Drinking a Sam Smith Oatmeal stout after a day skiing in Big Sky Montana. From that day forward I was hooked on quality beer.

fwiw, I am really interested in learning to brew sake to supplement making beer and wine.
June 24, 2009

NY Pete
so are you tailgating with sake #3 this football season dude?
June 24, 2009

trace
BADASS SHOW !!! Enjoyed it. I have never had Saki before and I am going this weekend to buy a bottle because of this show and this show alone.
June 24, 2009

Matt T.
Great 2 part episode. Really enjoyed the guest this time Gary.

QOTD : 3 years ago I had a Malbec and decided I wanted to learn everything I could about wine. It blew me away.
June 24, 2009

Kell Brigan
7 minutes in…
Mr. T deserves a repeat visit, or twelve. Maybe three or four times a year, when he’s on the East Coast have him on to chat about wine and/or sake and/or tea and/or farmers/vintners/brewers/distributors* and/or other aspects of the Foodie/Bevvie universe. Just soo much to chat with this gent about.

About glasses… I usually go for port or sherry in shot glasses. Something about wanting to be closer to the source for sniffysniffing. Hm. Definitely will tend to having sake in a wine glass from now on, especially if not heated.
June 24, 2009

Smahlatz
Great episode :

QOTD : a cheap(ish) 2003 Graves red. I already loved wine, but just getting into bordeaux – I thought, if Ican get wine like this at this price (£10), what else is out there?
June 24, 2009

jonomck
QOTD: Wine from southern france
June 24, 2009

jigger
QOTD: mid to late 1990’s Pope Valley Zin cemented my love of wines. Perfect bottle for where I was in my life, on that day, and at that time and one of those rare moments you know its special right away, while you’re still experiencing it.

Great episodes, can’t wait to find some orc aged sake to sample. I live in Iowa so I expect I will have a good selection of middle earth sakes available. (Wow, I am lame . . . and yes, I have kissed a girl). Peace.
June 24, 2009

debra
I so totally enjoyed this 2 part episode, and your awesome guest from S.F. I never had sake after trying it once in the awful heated bottle/cup duo, so now that I learned a little, I will definitely give it another try. The last bottle you tasted seems like a good place for me to start, since I enjoyed that description the most.

My epiphany was about pizza—I avoided tasting it for years as a child, but once I started, I was hooked. I have tasted pizza all over the world, and my favorite is Margherita pizza from Fiorello’s Ristorante in NYC, and from a restaurant Il Pompeio, on Capri, in Italy. I’m passionate about it!
June 24, 2009

Chalz
Another first for WLTV…The guest was petted..as we pet our animals. Made old Beau go bright red! Priceless.

GV, seriously, you gotta start taking your ADHD meds.

QOTD: 2000 Petrus was an ephiphany for me to drink more red
June 24, 2009

AndrewLyle
I can’t say that I’ve had that “moment” yet. I am a mere 20 years old, and because of the archaic drinking law in the U.S., I often feel limited in my ability to taste anything out of the ordinary.

Contrary to the above statement, I will say that I had a glass of Moscato D’Asti at a restaurant in NYC that blew my face off. The green apple, the color, viscosity! I had only had a couple desert wines in my life, but this was an eye-opening experience.

Great Episode GV & BT, I would gleefully watch sakelibrarytv
June 24, 2009

Keith
This was a great episode one of my favorites. I’m a huge fan of sake and I now realize that I have a lot of learning to do.

QOTD: One of the first sakes I tasted was a plum flavor, it was unlike any other alcoholic drink that I’ve ever had.
June 24, 2009

Thomas D.
I have to say, this was a truely exciting episode. With all this foray into various beverages, I might actually have one to recommend. Recently, I’ve been quite interested in Mead, although it does seem quite difficult to come across. It is certainly quite different from anything. If I had to compare it to anything, I’d say it drinks a bit like a cider.

QOTD: I can’t say I really have had much of an “epiphany” moment, but there is a brewery up here in Canada called Unibroue which makes Belgian style beer, and has gotten me obsessed with them. Now, if only I could find a place which sells them…
June 24, 2009

Peter T
Man this dude could be Jim Carrey’s double!
June 24, 2009

Vinograf
Absolutely positively stunning show. Loved every minute of it. Gonna learn, gonna study, gonna drink it and explore it as much as I can!
June 24, 2009

gubby
The “epiphany” moment for me was when I had a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale when I was 19. From that moment, I started my quest for beer.
June 24, 2009

Matt "Ikigai"
The information was so good in this two part series that I plan on linking to it for my martial arts readers. I really hope there will be a sakesocial video series!
June 24, 2009

Big D
QOTD: I spent 2 months in Germany in 1973/74 and was introduced to riesling wine. The difference between the cr*p I had experienced and the wine I experienced there was unbelievable.

I enjoyed the show very much. Beau is VERY knowledgeable about sake and his passion shows through.
June 24, 2009

Zino
QOTD: An Australian Shiraz really got me into wine. But come on Beau, wine can be a fabulous thing but it doesn’t cause an epiphany, get a grip on reality.
June 24, 2009

Tofferotti
One of the most fun episodes ever. Sake is something I have always been fascinated by but never really made the move to taste much or learn about it. Guess I’ll have to change that.

QOTD: I’ll go with wine. I was working at a restaurant and sold a 1967 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti. The guys I sold it to poured me a good sized glass of it. Shocked me to the core. Pretty much gave up beer after that. I still like beer, but wine has taken over my life ever since.
June 24, 2009

Al
Fun fact: the savory/chicken broth taste you detected on the second sample of sake is umami one of the 5 basic tastes humans can detect (salt, sweet, bitter, sour & umami). It was discovered by a Japanese scientist named Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. Great show.
June 24, 2009

Pete
Every time I drink Sake I get a mind numbing headache. Am I drinking bad sake? I know very little about it but it isn’t cheap sake so I would hope it is decent. Anyone else have this issue?
June 24, 2009

john
QOTD: No epiphany, but the appreciation that quality wine, beer, coffee, tea, root beer, good food, art, literature, music, beautiful women, architecture, etc. lets us celebrate all the positive aspects of mankind, and in our appreciation, we are all united. Peace!
June 24, 2009

Adam G.
Absolutely awesome episode! I have to say, I was a little turned off by the last couple shows, but this one brought me right back with a fervor!

I am inspired now – I need to try REAL Sake. In fact, I may order something from his website, because I highly doubt I can get it in my neck of the woods.

QOTD: My aha moment came in the town of Barolo – they were describing the direct impact of different soils in the area on the wines – some produce more floral wines, some produce stronger wines – that detail ignited a real passion.
June 24, 2009

jason carey
Good and interesting show.. more balanced interaction
June 24, 2009

NY Pete
where’s Kahuna?
June 24, 2009

manonthemoon
Interesting show.

QOTD: No epiphany, just really enjoy alcohol in multiple forms though.
June 24, 2009

Brett Steigerwaldt
My epiphany moment was when I tasted lapsang souchong tea (black tea from China that is smoked over burning pinewood). The smell reminded me of camping, like you just put out a campfire and were about to head out on the trail, turned around to take it all in and wham, the essence of a campfire hits you. After that I jumped into tea, and began reading tea books, and creating food/cheese pairings to go with each tea. Graduate school has slowed down progress, but I still brew a pot of tea at breakfast.

Its also interesting to note how tea changes depending on steeping periods, temperature, amount of tea used, etc.

Its truly amazing to think that factors such as terroir, steeping, amount of loose leaves used in infusion, water temperature, type of water (hard, soft, distilled, etc) can influence every cup of tea.

I look forward to this country getting more into tea.

As a side note, its funny to think that teas like Gyokoru, a tea with incredible amounts of chlorophyll in each leaf, can smell like hotdogs before steeping, and then after steeping, taste VERY vegetal and grassy and smell like a hotdog that is wrapped in fresh cut grass.

Good luck on your tea adventures Gary!
June 24, 2009

DrEdwardo
QOTD: Penfolds Grange, can’t remember the vintage, drunk back in 1993.

Interesting guest and topic *BUT* once again an episode over an hour long, 3 drinks, uneven audio (no problem hearing Gary, once again can barely hear the guest).

Very low QPR episode. The information was interesting but not 70 minutes interesting. Like drinking an 88 point wine that costs you $70.

Edwardo
June 24, 2009

Chateau_Plonk
Fantastic episode! Beau is easily one of the top 3 guests ever. I’m in your boat Gary, I love sake and have had some incredible ones but know very little about it. This is going to change.
QOTD: The epiphany that moved me to become passionate and knowledgeable about wine was a red I had in a restaurant in Barcelona 7 years ago. I can’t remember what I ate at all, but can still remember thinking that the wine was like drinking berries turned into liquid velvet. I’ve since worked in to wine industry and my life hasn’t been the same since.
June 24, 2009

Douglas Goodman
Awesome show. Awesome guest. Definately going to go out and try some sake.

GARY – DO A TEA EPISODE!!!!

QOTD: Tea is my epiphany beverage. Never used to drink it. Love the stuff now. Reading books on it. oh yeah, and wine too. haha,
June 24, 2009

sam
After only two episodes, you two already look like you’re best friends!

Two passionate people seeking to share what drives them with the rest of the world. Both of you; keep doing what you do!

Gary, sidenote, in the US, you might be able to call any beverage you want a “wine”, but according to tradition in France and the INAO, only beverages coming from grape must can be called wine.

QOTD: Three years ago. Actually, my parents have been wine drinkers for a LOOOOOOOOONGGG time, and always did try to share their passion with me. But it was only about three summers ago, while visiting them in my home town, did I fall in love with RED wine. Today, I still drink many things: white wine, beer, brandy, but RED wine still holds a sacred place in my heart and soul.

Rock on!
June 24, 2009

Biznas
This guy needs to be on the show again…… I want to get a bottle of Sake now.

QOTD: My first malbec wine was Catena Malbec 2005 made me want to go to Argentina and try every malbec possible.

Then there was the the first Super Burrito with al pastor I had… Eye opening
June 24, 2009

Kell Brigan
QOTD: I stumbled upon a great cuppa Yunnan at the same time I happened to be reading about the Boxer Wars. The complexities of both just hooked me and reeled me in, and I wound up researching tea and Asian history fervently for months, and more routinely, ever since.

Can we have a contest now where the winner gets to pet Beau?

(If anyone needs me, I’ll be in confession…)
June 24, 2009

Brian
QOTD:
Beer: About 5 years ago when I first tasted Stone Double Arrogant Bastard Ale, I fell in love with good beer.

Wine: Last summer in France I had a Bordeaux, can’t remember the bottle or vintage, but it tasted like Angel tears. So good.
June 24, 2009

nicko
Great eps, loved it. Hooray for Ohio! Beau looks like Jim Carrey’s identical twin, I just had to throw that out there.
June 24, 2009

Mark S.
Gary – Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
June 24, 2009

Jeff S.
Living in Japan Town, I need to get off my butt and taste more than the house hot sake! Great show!

QOTD: My first drink of choice was beer. As a youngster, a friend turned me on to Newcastle Brown Ale. That sweet nuttiness drove me bonkers! A passion was born.
June 24, 2009

mattw
wow, this might be the best episode i’ve ever seen. i had more literal laugh out loud moments than i think i have in ten normal epsiodes of WLTV. the interaction was tremendous.

qotd: the epiphany for me with wine honestly happened when i first saw this show. it was november last year, and i wanted to learn something about sherry, something i’d heard of but never understood, so i searched it on youtube and found WLTV. the epiphany was really realizing that wine was meant to be fun, and no matter what you drink and how you drink it, it can be interesting and educational, but it doesn’t need to be pretentious. that’s why i’m so grateful for this show.
June 24, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
Wine. I h8ed it, but I was determined to understand it and develop a palate for it, but that wasn’t enough. I had to learn the whole process from growing the grapes, to developing the wine, to bottling the product. I am a very hands on type of person, so I planted 12 cold hardy vines in my backyard which are varieties the U of MN crossbred, Frontenac and Marquette. This year will be my first vintage.
June 24, 2009

John Farrin
QOTD: Wine epiphany, (I know I’m a broken record)in 1977 while drinking my first bottle of 1970 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon.
June 24, 2009

Slushpuppy
Most memorable taste was a great meal in a very small Greek restaurant on N. Clark St. near Howard St. We had two bottles of Roditis wine, and the waiter apologised when he saw me pouring for my wife without his assistance.
Smell it first. TR
June 24, 2009

Chris McCollum
Great Great Great Great Great Great Show, loved every min. of it. must do more saki shows!!!!!!!!!!

My moment was prob in ‘94ish When I opened my mind up to Shinner Bock Beer, I hated beer till then, that was my moment,
June 24, 2009

Joel M
AWESOME. WAY TO CHANGE IT UP. KEEP IT INTERESTING. JOEL
June 24, 2009

zonk
The local provincial liquor stores here Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada don’t seem to carry good Sake!

Business trip to Boston (first real trip into the states), staying at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge (super great customer service), on the Charles River across from that famous ball park, nice warm fall night, and Samuel Adams Boston Lager. For my pallet the best beer I have tasted so far.
June 24, 2009

Jason S.
QOTD: 2005 – a glass of Talisker (can’t recall the age). Have LOVED Scotch ever since.

That show was 100% awesomeness.
June 24, 2009

Bill
GV, I think you’re in love. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
June 24, 2009

Kyle
Excellent episode – very fun to watch you guys go back and forth. Sake is something that I have not given the credit that has been due for it… but that is bound to change. p.s you called me out about being a lurker… but its alright
June 24, 2009

Marshall
Great episode. Almost makes me want to go out and try Sake.
June 24, 2009

oscar falcón lara
Wow, nice show. truly one of the better WLTV’s ever shot. I like Sake and your guest was great.

QOTD: when I first started drinking beer I would almost never touch any other type of alcohol, and then one day I was invited to a celebration for an elder in a very prominent family and all they had was hard liquor and every type of distilled drink known to man, naturally I asked for a tequila and then a relative of my friend who invited me started to rant about the different types of alcohol from plants in Mexico, and asked us to try them, they had a full stacked bar and I tasted about four of them and then had one more sip of my tequila and it was different, better, I actually tasted something I had not noticed before, from then on it is history.

Great two part show GV.
June 24, 2009

Michael
Great show, though two part episodes can be frustrating only because the content is so good you’re desperate to see the 2nd part yesterday!

QOTD: tasting the 2005 2nd wine from chateau pichon longueville, which as you so eloquently put it, brought the thunder! One day, with a job, I will graduate to the first growths and the el pisons of the wine world, but until then (unfortunately, or fortunately depending on ones viewpoint), I will rely on you, Captain Vaynerchuck, and your peculiar brand of loveable madness.

Keep up the good work.
June 24, 2009

Jay Campbell
Good QOTD: Mine was tasting my first homebrew and thinking that I was doing the same thing that people had been doing for thousands of years. So cool.
June 24, 2009

Peter F
Hey Gary,

I am a lurker but couldn’t avoid the QOTD

The first scotch I ever had was a Glenlivet 12 a few months back. While I hold a place in my heart for this delicate dram, I’m not gaga over it anymore yet it drove me to seek out other fine scotches. Even though it’s a blend I find Johnny Walker Black Label to contain so much in one distilled spirit. Sweet, limey, peaty, even a little salty, and a finish that doesn’t go away even after a sip of cold water. It is a smooth operator and has grip at the finish. It’s like a characterful older wine from Bordeaux but consistent year after year and obtainable for under 30 bones. It all started with the Glenlivet 12!

-Pete
June 24, 2009

Dennis Nestor
I have always loved the experience of everything good and bad.

My first Aha Alcoholic Beverage was a Strawberry Daiquiri. Was was Very Young it was New Years Eve.
June 24, 2009

DannInNH
He surely puts Gretzky to shame.
When I had an ‘04 Medusa Old Vine Zin we had at a dinner/wine tasting…it knocked our socks off. Since that time, I have been a buyer of great/good old vine Zins.
June 24, 2009

Sean Kelly
I am also a lurker, but this episode was just too special to not comment.

QOTD: Tea is my epiphany beverage. I had tea bags all my life, but in the last 3 years, I have made my way over to loose leaf green, jasmine, oolong, and black teas. I will never stop drinking tea, and it has changed me in more ways than I can imagine.

Speaking of which, I would absolutely LOVE it if Gary V did a tea episode. Have Kevin Rose on, or someone more knowledgeable about tea, to do exactly what Beau did in this episode.

I learned a lot! Great work guys

CRUSH IT!
June 24, 2009

Drew
Sake and wine do not mix. Rock em sock em episode. 1 and 2. Please stick to wine geeks. Stick with what works, don’t play with the kids from the other side of the tracks. It’s o.k. to experiment, but enough is enough. To many imitators trying to get a little face time.I’m Not saying that this guest is un genuine,I just feel this type of show is reserved for, hmmmm…..another show? I love knowledge and seek it daily, but the word play and underlying jealousy was sickeningly distracting.I promise I will go to the library and learn everything about sake. Can we please stay with wine? I could live for 200 years and never absorb all there is to know about wine.Please, dear God stay with us.
June 24, 2009

HuskerJamie
Awesome, awesome show guys. Very educational and entertaining.

QOTD: We did a tasting at the Pyrat Rum distillery on Anguilla and I tried their Cask 23. It was a beautiful setting and a superior rum.
June 24, 2009

Frozen Summers
Best show ever, good enough to make me delurk and comment.

I’d definitely watch a sake show with beau (even though I’ve never had any)

As for epiphany moment, when I had James Squire Amber Ale in my first year at uni. I realised that beer was supposed to have a flavour, and not be chilled to virtually frozen.
June 24, 2009

brooks
Great Episode!!! Keep up the awesome work!
June 24, 2009

pawncop
This was great, just great.

QOTD – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Great wine, and started my journey.
June 24, 2009

urbwes
QOTD: My alcoholic bervergae is wine and my eye opening moment came not from experience, but from reading. I read a book by a passionate person and caught the fever.

subset::: Jazz, it was the complex and amazing theory behind improvisation that led to my insatiable thirst for jazz music.
June 24, 2009

bluna
QOTD : Guiness in Dublin Pub across from the brewery

Both episodes were interesting to exploding with information – thanks for your passions
June 24, 2009

Kevin
QOTD: Pearl Jam’s performance of Alive and Porch in 1991 on SNL. Prior I had no interest in music. Ended up as a music teacher/writer/producer.
June 24, 2009

WineWoman
QOTD: I’ll limit my answer to wines. Krug Champagne did it for me. One of my first official wine-tastings I attended at Clark Circle Liquors continued the passion. We tasted Rubicon, Insignia, Kenwood Artist Series, BV Tapestry, Silverado Cab, Ferrari-Carano Tresor–all for something like 10 or 12 bones a person. When we began visiting wineries, Young’s Zinfandel out of Plymouth, CA knocked our socks off and the quest continues…..

Excellent educational show from the Sake expert. We’ll have to investigate further. I liked when he spoke Japanese–kind of sounded like the Iron Chef.
June 24, 2009

Scott EJ
One of the more accurate statements on WL: Sake goes w/much more than sushi. It is amazing how well sake goes with so many every day foods, chicken, pork, salads, etc. It may not be the best thing with heavy red meat, but it certainly is more versatile than people are led to believe.

Very good show and great chemistry and fun facts. For me to want some GOOD sake right now says something.

QOTD: A trip to Napa opened my eyes to good wine. It’s been downhill ever since.

Thanks for knowledge.
June 24, 2009

Mike D.
Your 100% right about tea, I’ve been saying the same thing for about a year now… a local grocer here in Rochester,NY, Wegman’s, has dedicated an entire section to tea and they even have a tea bar. Whose the Gary V. of tea? Anyone?

Great episode if I ever get over to the West Coast I’ll have to check out Beau’s place.

QOTD: Drinking a great wine (Justin Vineyard Isosceles) in The Middle of Nowhere, Canada with my future father in-law, mother in-law, and wife and having the best conversations ever! Turned me on to Wine for life!
June 24, 2009

Libby'sgirl
You have inspired me to revisit sake!!! never thought i would say it. Great show, thanks for sharing the passion!! Lively , good natured guest!, Beau did a great job rolling with all of the crazy interuptions!
June 24, 2009

*/^_^\*
phenomenal. went by incredibly quickly for such a long episode.

this guest not only had something to teach us, but was entertaining as well.

QOTD: it was a cheap red burgundy (bouchard aine et fils….iirc). something popped in my head. have not been the same since.
June 24, 2009

David S.
QOTD: I ordered a Lindemans Pêche off the dessert menu of a cafe not knowing what it was purely because it was the only thing on the menu I couldn’t pronounce. The first sip completely transformed my idea of beer turning me into a total beer geek and eventually a home brewer.
June 24, 2009

Brock
Gary

I eat the Kiwi whole, fuzz included. I know you’re going to do that now.

QOTD: Quail’s Gate Rose from the Okanagan, BC. I was one of those people who thought rose was white zinfandel sugary crap.
Quail’s Gate is by far the best Rose I’ve had, but it’s encouraged me to try and discover many amazing rose’s.

Side note: We now drink all our white wine and rose room temperature, best advice ever Gary!
June 24, 2009

wyld
QOTD: I guess my point was at a swimbot in Germany(basically a pool/beach) drinking a red wine thinking… this ain’t so bad warm. And i wonder how many Roman or Greece people have thought that in history. Its good cool, good room temp, and even ok warm. I love wine!!!

Sake on the other hand… not so much, i’ve been to Japan, drank some sake and after trying it hot, cold and warm, i think it ain’t my thing… but great show.
June 24, 2009

Braden -D
Gary-

Definitely one of the best shows that I have seen you do and I have been lurking around now for 3 years or so. Amazing job and great coverage of Sake which is completely needed for ‘murican folk out there, especially the correct pronunciation of words.

QOTD: Uber Dark Chocolate.
June 24, 2009

teckdeck2008
Great guest, I’ve always wanted to get into sake more, but there isn’t anyplace in town to get it and I can barely afford my wine habit…so its not quite panned out yet.

Qotd: My big passion started with at trip I took to south america two years ago. And in turn, that also got me more passionate about tasting other stuff. Its kind of gone in cycles now too. Recently I’ve tried to do better with coffee. before that beer, and obviously immediately after the trip it was wine. But now I think its kind of spread to a conglomeration of all of those recently, whatever I’m in the mood for I make a real effort to taste it and enjoy it properly. oh yeah, whiskey (preferably scotch) is another biggy, I’ve always enjoyed that since I turned 21. for that it was a roommate who got a bottle of crown royal reserve for his 21st birthday. great way to start…wow! but yeah, as you can tell, I’m into almost anything and everything as far as tasting goes.
June 24, 2009

Ivan
great episode… a real THUNDER episode. Cant wait to try some sake.

qotd: epiphany moment… the taste of my wife’s kisses…. she became a lifelong passion.
June 24, 2009

Mike Palmason
I love that you occasionally try new things (Sake, Beer, etc.) I didn’t care for the Sake the first few times I tried it, but after a couple at Ra, I starter to enjoyed it. It might have been the good company since it was just my lovely wife and me in Las Vegas
June 24, 2009

@Armond_
Gary, this was a unique, entertaining and highly educational show. You gotta do one like it for tea. I would love to see you doing one with tea from Russia. It would be awesome.

QOTD: a trip to Venice, Slovenia and Croatia completely overwhelmed my soul. I started to appreciate wine at the same time. My favorites are from the southern Rhone esp. Chateauneuf Du Pape.

Cheers!
June 24, 2009

Topher
Great subject. Good info. Could you two BE more gay for each other?
June 24, 2009

Hillman Ball
LOVED this episode soo soo much! I know nothing about Sake and now feel like Im addicted to it. If Beau doesnt do a Sake TV then it will be a devastation to the future game of the industry.
June 24, 2009

Tedd
Gary, super duper episode here man! More guests please! you are passionate but bring in someone else to compliment you and you go to another level buddy! Rock it! Twitter ID = TeddGCM
June 25, 2009

teatime
former lurker coming out… great episode.

love the old world style wines, sake and green tea!
June 25, 2009

Jon
Gary,

Definitely one of the best episodes ever, great guest, bring him back. I am going to expand my palate and learn about sake now. VERY interesting guy. Thanks for a great episode!
June 25, 2009

Don
WOW!!! DOUBLE WOW!!! That was incredible content… It was a real treat to have someone so knowledgeable about Sake educate us on the Thunder Show. I live in Washington DC, but I will make sure to visit your shop next time I’m in San Fran.

QOTD: Christmas this year I had my epiphany with wine. I had always enjoyed wine in the past, but in December I had a realization that I like it so much and I’m a passionate person that I want to become involved in the wine world.I have been trying to learn as much as I can ever since and have been experiencing a lot of different wine. Discovering Wine Library TV has been great for me. Gary’s passion is both motivating and contagious.
June 25, 2009

flavasauce
Ollld time Vaniac here and I have to say this is in my top 10 best episodes ever. I live in SF and have only been to True Sake once I’m ashamed to admit. I am definately taking a trip there soon as Beau is truly inspiring. Love how much fun you are having and the obscure knowledge imparted.

QOTD: On my 21st Birthday in 1994 my parents took me to a restaurant in NYC called Lespinasse for, at that point, the best meal I had ever had. Because we were enjoying ourselves so much they spotted us a free bottle they of a Qupe Syrah, first Syrah me or my parents had ever had. That meal with my parents began a lifelong passion for food and wine that has only grown stronger with each passing year.
June 25, 2009

K.Muncie
Great episode, really enjoyed learning something new tonight!

QOTD: My epiphany happened with both food and wine at the same time. For most of my life I have been a very picky eater, avoiding vegetables and healthy things mostly. A couple of years ago I realized that if other people had such a passion for food and the ways that flavors work together that I should start trying to see things from their perspective. I went to a fantastic little restaurant in Fort Worth, Tx called Lili’s Bistro. It was on this one visit I went out on a limb and ordered something I previously would never have considered and got a recommended glass of wine with it. The melody of flavors and compliment of the wine instantly made me a foodie. I went against character and popped a tomato in my mouth and enjoyed the burst of flavor that came with it. Amazing. Ever since I have been obsessed with finding great food and trying new wines.
June 25, 2009

Micha
Great Episode and a great well matching Guest. I don’t have experience with sake yet, but will give it a try.

QOTD: there have been several eye-opening-ohhh-my-god-moments with wines, that really hit me and started my interest. I think Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc was the key…

All the best from Germany
Michael
June 25, 2009

Earl
so weird to read through some of the comments and find the first winery mentioned to be the one I work at, which created the epiphany moment for someone. My moment occurred while hiking through the upper trails of the cinque terre with the thought that it would be so cool to drink in a little of the beautiful terrace itself.
June 25, 2009

Alex F
QOTD:
Beer. Drinking cheap Taiwan Beer (yes, that’s actually the name. it’s government brewed beer) on the porch with my brother while we travelled in Taiwan. Big beer fan now, and always trying to expand my palette with new drinks.
June 25, 2009

Shawn_944
Gary, straight up, this was the best two parter, and in the top 10 episodes of WLTV! I learned a ton about Sake and i can’t wait to get out there and expand my palate with Sake! Thanks GV you and Beau rocked it!

QOTD: I knew i was passionate about wine before i even tasted my first bottle, and after this show i am going to get a passion for sake!
June 25, 2009

Bobby
Comin’ outta the woodwark for this one G-Vaynz! Have to say, one of your greatest guests. I’ll be lookin’ for some good sake now!
June 25, 2009

Robthecomic
Wow this a really informative and interesting episode, total war between two A.D.D. people(takes one to know one) but great nonetheless.

qotd, i think for wine it was slipstream shiraz from australia and beer was weyerbacher double simcoe ipa.
June 25, 2009

Beeper
QOTD: My first glass of The Glenlivet.

Love the sake idea. I vote for more episodes of other spirits, as long as Gary learns to pronounce them.
June 25, 2009

Ian L
easily my fave episode yet! great guest with so much passion oozing out of him. Finally I get to hear you pronounce Japanese words correctly.

QOTD: for wines it was the time I was in a small wine place in Barcelona and drank a glass of 2003 Abadal 3.9 that did it for me. I kept staring at the glass after each sip.
June 25, 2009

Emmanuel Galvan
Holy F@#k!!!! This is why I love your show. Every once in a while there is an episode that inspires. That may have sounded cheesy; but, I literally went to a wine shop right after watching the show and picked up a few bottles of sake (I just spent $150) and had a little tasting for myself. I was that inspired to try Sake. As a first time sake drinker, all I could say is “WOW!” Thank you Gary. Thank You Beau.

QOTD: Having lived in Saint Helena (Napa Valley) my entire life I never appreciated living there. After I left to go to school in NYC and after being away for several months, coming back to the NV just made me realize how amazing it is. Driving through Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford and Saint Helena on highway 29 in late spring is just about one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen, despite having seen it every year prior to that. This experience was made even more amazing when I went to my first wine tasting at Quintessa (it was the first time I was in the NV as a 21-year-old).
June 25, 2009

amgryger
Great geust and a really enjoyable episode to watch eventhough I know nothing about sake and have only ever had bad sake that tasted like paint thinner mixed with New Zealand Sauvignon blanc that someone left open on the counter for several months.

QOTD: I got into wine after drinking a Nebbiolo D’Alba in a second floor trattoria in Torino while I was there during the ‘06 Winter Olympics.
June 25, 2009

Man of Mistry
Awesome episode! Thanks for such a wonderful guest.

QOTD: My first single malt scotch was that beverage. I do not remember the name to save my life! And I’ve tried going to the same bar to figure out this one, but hasn’t helped
June 25, 2009

Gregory
QOTD: For me it was tasting Makers Mark bourbon. I had no idea that I could enjoy whiskey until I got away from JB and JD. That experience has since translated into similar experiences with other spirits, like gin. Sake is next.
June 25, 2009

Robert
This was probably one of the more entertaining and enlightening episodes in a long time. I loved Beau–the back and forth between you two was awesome. You really need to have him on again, perhaps even make him a regular like a once a month type deal or something.
June 25, 2009

Juno
This episode was fantastic, I’ve never tried sake before but am going to pick some up this week and try something new! As always, the passionate detailing and commentary in the videos definitely makes me want to try whatever you’re talking about
June 25, 2009

Brian DeAngeles
Wow, I learned alot and I mean alot. Good job!!!!!! You guys and Im not jealouse eventhough I wish I were either one of you. You need to hook up and go for the gold. You guys were great together. Keep doing what your doing and so should he. Beacuse you are both masters in each of your skills. But in a part time play you should work together.
wineisbetterthanschlitzdeangeles!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets go EAGLES
June 25, 2009

quaffed
Third or fourth time that I had baby mice fermented in gasoline- June dreaming, I woke up and looked into the face of someone I love. Out of bed, into her breakfast; a bottle, morels, and buttered bread enjoyed that fresh clear light of morning. Then I woke up again, with the forest clearing the dirty laundry off the floor of my feral nightmare-shanty; somehow some cat was batting at my eyes and I awoke to the hair of the dog that bit me and the tail coming with it. My epiphany was forgotten. There was a time, seeming like so long ago- I really saw the clear night sky. Actually lying on the ground to see just how many big-little lights were out there: quite humbling.
June 25, 2009

J Crazy
Beau, you can do names, it’s: J Crazy, aka Justin Renard.

And Matt Sitomer helping out with the emails and, of course, Beau and Gary.

Thank you guys for helping to put together an awesome show!!

Cheers!
June 25, 2009

Brad From the WAST
That’s WAshington STate

Thank you, guys, for bringing me awareness and enough knowledge and understanding to now find out for myself what sake is all about. Beau, take Gary’s lead on communicating with the masses. I will be sitting in front of my monitor taking notes like the nerdy nerd that I am.

Gary, as Beau would say “Good Call” on the Tea play. As you know (refer to the top) I’m in the Seattle area, or as some peeps would say, “Coffee Central.” We have a meeting every morning to discuss the days activity. Four out of the five of us now drink four different kind of teas; IN SEATTLE! And the cost of tea is especially attractive in this economic environment we now live.

Great job guys!
June 25, 2009

VinoBlue
This was the single best, most memorable, quotable show you’ve done to date. I can’t remember the last guest who brought so much knowledge, let alone passion. Count me in on the ground floor of Sake in America.
June 25, 2009

Gerry V
Well done guys,

A moment of awarness for me. I have never tried Sake so now I’m on mission. I’m wondering what the general price spread is for Sake. Is there such a thing as a $10 bottle of Sake.

QOTD: Pampero Anivarsio Rum
June 25, 2009

Clifford
This show and the Jim Cramer show have to be my two favorite. Talk about an overflowing passion bucket!

I’ve tried many different wines because of Wine Library TV, and I am really eager to try a few sakes.
June 25, 2009

lmnopinot
“pole raming”, “cream in your nose”??? That was one funny/ informative episode. Well done!!

QOTD: Ben Marco, Espresivo 2006 Argentina. Changed me forever!
June 25, 2009

castello
Beau! It’s time you chimed in on these comments. You’re getting a lot of love here. We want to know you’re reading them. I will visit you in The City.
June 25, 2009

Andreas Dantz
I love that Episode. Especially how much you love Beau. Never tried sake before. I’ll definitely give it a shot now!

QOTD: About three years ago i started really tasting new stuff. I figured out, that there are so many great flavours out there to discover. So, i still can’t tell some single taste i’m that passionate about. But i think if you really deal with great meals and drinks, life just gets so much greater. So my new passion is to try differnt things.
June 25, 2009

E. Heagy
Great episode with two very genuine individuals sharing their passion — love it! I’m travelling to Japan in a few weeks with the fam and will explore this fascinating drink.

QOTD: I’m setting in my Taiwanese in-laws living room sipping on high mountain tea from Alishan at the moment. Gary I’m a big wine enthusiast from the states and I’m finding so many complexities in tea right now that it blows my mind. I’ll probably drive through the Taiwanese mountain towns and do some tea tasting next week. Hope your predictions are right. BTW, Alex F, Taiwan Gold Medal beer is a great brew and cheap. Just don’t drink it out of a can.
June 25, 2009

AUSSIE SAMMY S
Nice show gary & Beau,

GV I think Beau had your measure in this two parter…He looks to be very experienced in SAKE as you are in Wine…This was a really educational ep.I would rate that in my top 10 eps ever – from an educational point of view.
June 25, 2009

BrianAF
Great Episode, I am totally going to get into sake now! You guys had great chemistry and your passions certainly fed off of each other. I think you should do a thunder show where you drink a bunch of different alcohols and get drunk on camera, call it the Drunk Under the Thunder show! QOTD My first wow moment was tasting a sauterenes at a formal french wine tasting.
June 25, 2009

Steve Yamakami
Hey Gary

I really enjoyed this episode of Wine Library TV. Having lived in Japan for the last 22 years, I have always been able to enjoy the massive variety of sake (also known as Nihonshu) . And it’s great to see you enjoying this wonderful beverage so much. Your guest was very knowledgeable and I enjoyed the dynamics between you two. However, I was disappointed that he didn’t give my friend Justin Renard, who lives in Kashima, a shout out for hooking the two of you up. Maybe you can!

I hope to be able to host you in Japan one day to expand your palate with some of the amazing delicacies, such as crab brains, abalone livers, squid in entrails, and sea cucumbers. You will be blown away by the beautiful menagerie of flavor, while eating such delicacies and drinking sake.

cybersensei
June 25, 2009

Agnieszka
Hi Gary,

Hilarious episode!!! I love this guy. I really, truly feel his passion for Sake. It’s so great to listen to someone so devoted to something. He definitely made me think more about the ‘Japanese brew ‘ and … next time I go to my wine shop I’ll have a look for some good Sake.

QOTD: hmmm, not so easy, I guess for me, it wasn’t The one single moment, it was more like an evolution – the more wine I drank the more interested I was. I was being dragged but the diversity of it and I wanted to know: WHY? So that’s how I got into wine. And since then is my biggest passion. And I’m getting more and more hungry for knowledge, the more I know!

Cheers,
A
June 25, 2009

Andy
As a Japanese, I really appreciate this episode. Beau Timken is a great guy.
I believe we can change the sake world as well.

One point to mention. “Gin” in “Ginjo” is not pronounced like “ginger”, it should be pronounced like “gingham”.
June 25, 2009

Ben
Killing it Gary! Great episodes recently.. can’t tell you how much I want to try sake right now, will hunt some down this weekend.

Ben
June 25, 2009

Medo
Killer EP Gary! Top 5 guest and Top 5 show! Wow – can’t wait to see Dirk Würtz from Germany on your show in September. Till this I will dig in Sake!

@QOTD

It was a sip of a 1998 Sená on a wine tasting in 2002. The silky mouthfeel made me completly freaking out – this was a magic moment!
June 25, 2009

Dan B
This guy is a genuinely chill, charismatic character. I wish I could sit down and pick his brain for an hour or two on Sake, and have a few with him. I absolutely love Sake more than any other drink.

QOTD: My epiphany was truly the moment, back in 2006, when I watched Wine Library TV for the first time. I didn’t know jack about wine, and the way you broke down the tasting and smells made me realize there was a world I was missing. I had never gotten into wine, and the extent of my wine experience had been lived in a blur, in a dorm, and out of a jug. This show is what has made me the discerning wine drinker I am today.
June 25, 2009

legend
fabulously entertaining and informative show with great double act chemistry!
QOTD-new years eve 2005 and a 2000 cantemerle that opened my eyes to the possibilities of wine
June 25, 2009

kklain
Loved the show. I love sake and learned a ton. This guy should have his own show. Great show Gary and congrats on being a father.
June 25, 2009

Holladown
Love Love Love this episode
Sake is amazing. Thanks for taking the time out of the grapes drinks to look at the rice brew.

QOTD: the first time i had great moonshine.
June 25, 2009

MaRc
not a bad episode…wished that he could give more insight in sakes and how they are graded. But, honestly…I couldn’t really hear your guest.

Just got back from my holiday, and was catching up on some of your previous episodes and I have to say, your dad is probably the most hilarious guest of all time!
Happy father’s day to you!
June 25, 2009

55555
Great episode, love Beau!

QOTD: I have not had that moment in my life, but I’m in college and experiencing so many new great things that I’m positive its not far away.
June 25, 2009

55555
Gotta add:

TV.SAKESOCIAL.COM

right?
June 25, 2009

JosermJ
Comment
June 25, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
Great show as usual and what a guest…..very entertaining and informative. I didn’t know that sake can be drank chill, all the while I thought was drink it warm….sigh..what limited knowledge…
June 25, 2009

Søren Vrist
QOTD: Islay Whisky!
now turned into Beers
June 25, 2009

Matto
Loved the episode! Definitely top 5 ever out of the 200 or so I’ve seen! Right up there with the Nicolas Joly episode on biodyanmics for content. Thanks again!

QOTD: I’ve been living in Japan for the past 5 years and in addition to sake or nihonshu I also love shochu, a distilled spirit like a kind of Japanese whiskey with a more focused flavor profile and higher alcohol content than sake. It can be made from rice, potato, sesame, brown sugar or even plum leaf. Totally interesting stuff! I’d be really keen to know if anyone is importing the quality stuff into the US yet. I’m sure it will have legs as sake gets bigger and people start to explore more Japanese cuisine.
June 25, 2009

Uncle Meate
GREAT EPISODE …… LMAO AT THE BANTER.

QOTD: My eye opening alcohol moment was on my 14th birthday. My buddies made me drink a Gorilla Fart and I was off to the races. Been drinking everything ever since. I’ll try anything once – twice if I like it.

I have only had the Sake’ at Japanese restaurants (and I liked them), so I must get some good Sake’ tonight (chances are I will love it). Can’t wait!!!

Arigato!
June 25, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks guys

Fantastic show.

GARY I CAN”T BELEIVE IT – EAT THE SKIN OF THE KIWI, JUST BITE THE WHOLE THING LIKE AN APPLE. KIWI SKIN RULES!

Thanks
Andrew
June 25, 2009

Richie
Great great episode.

QOTD: 1. I had that moment with wine about 2 years ago when I had a stunning Riesling from the Ahr.
2. Skiing ist my seconde passion and that started years ago when I was a small kid and went skiing for the first time.
June 25, 2009

Kell Brigan
“John” said: “…the appreciation that quality wine, beer, coffee, tea, root beer, good food, art, literature, music, beautiful women, architecture, etc. lets us celebrate all the positive aspects of mankind, and in our appreciation, we are all united. Peace!”

Yeah, right. While you guys are busy bonding and stuff, this might be a good time to point out that this attitude is one of the reasons you don’t find a whole lot of women willing to hang around with you. a) Women are fully enfranchised human beings, made by and in the image of a loving God, and therefore are all “beautiful”. You wording implies that there could somehow be women who aren’t “beautiful”; this is by definition an impossibility.

Oh, and, by the way — WOMEN ARE NOT FUCKING CONSUMABLES, ASSHOLE.
June 25, 2009

Andrew Sica
Great episode Gary – this one goes in the hall of fame. I’ve been wanting to try some better sake for some time but have been procrastinating, I think that will change tonight.
June 25, 2009

CrazyManAndy
EPIC SHOW! Wow! Great guest, great chemistry, lot of knowledge, and best of all a wonderful topic. Hands down one of my faves.

QOTD: I can’t really say I remember a particular moment. It’s more an evolution of things. As I began to experience a wider arrays of food and drink, my mind became much more open to new and different things. I began to think, “If there are so many people out here who love this stuff [whatever it is], there must be something enjoyable in it.” I’ve found that, with that mind set, there are very few things that I absolutely dislike. Some things may not greatly resonate with me, but I can usually find something to enjoy in most.

subset: I did have a epiphany moment in music. I wasn’t really music aficionado growing up. I usually just listened to whatever was on the radio. But when I first heard Pearl Jam’s No Code album, it was like a world opened up to me. I didn’t know music could do that, that it could affect me like that album did. Ever since then, music, of all styles and genres, has been a huge part of my life; not just listening, but playing as well.
June 25, 2009

D-Cos-And-It-Don't-Stop
Great show! The only experiences I’ve ever had with Sake, is being out for some late night sushi and drinking sake bombs.

QOTD – My epiphany with wine came about 5 years ago. I’m from Morris County, NJ (big ups to dirty Jerz) and my grandparents live outside San Luis Obispo, CA (Central Cali). They’re so close to some great wine regions within CA (Paso Robles, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills, Edna Valley, etc.) When visiting my grandparents 5 years ago, and finally being old enough to drink legally, and having just watched Sideways , I did some research and decided to visit some wineries. After going to Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles, and doing over a dozen plus winery tastings, I was hooked. To see wine country, taste some great wines, meet the winemakers, see they’re passion for their product, I was hooked on wine. When I got home from my visit, I went out and bought every wine book I could find.I’ve been hooked ever since.
June 25, 2009

Brian Chinn
Its a no brainer that Beau needs to do his own sake show in order to accelerate that sake adoption curve here in the US. He obviously has the passion and the personality to make it work. Vaynermedia – HOOK it up!!!!
June 25, 2009

Chef.c.lotz
Double whammy show! only had one sake before, sushi and that cold cloudy stuff. it was sweet and delicious, but only came in pint bottles. Qotd- glenlivet 18. i love scotch, scotchy scotch scotch. p.s. along with the squeaky chairs, you should also change the chalkboard Gary! I want i want some of that Vanernation-illustration.
June 25, 2009

hasbeen
I was surprised to hear your guest say that sake is brewed to be at its best at 18 months. Everything I have read, and everything I have been told at all the sake tastings I have been to, is that sake is meant to be consumed as young as possible, except in the case of Koshu.

I have had some amazing sake, but still think, for the money, I can find a wine I prefer more.
June 25, 2009

James H
Awesome episode. I would love to see a Sake show full time!

QOTD:Hannover Germany, May 2008. I had my first real German bier and haven’t looked back since.
June 25, 2009

Emily & James H.
Very glad to see saké back on the show…though wish Beau had been able to speak more about the subject. Sometimes you’ve got to step back and let a man (especially one with as much knowledge and passion about the subject)talk and say his piece. I highly recommend his True Saké newsletter to anyone wanting to learn more. QOTD: It was a rather humble beginning, but a sales rep brought me a Basque-country white to try in my early days of retail and I haven’t looked back since. How satisfying it is to find something that you can really devote yourself to.
June 25, 2009

Phil G
That was fun, and definitely interesting! Thanks guys! I have almost no sake experience, but will try to change this!

QOTD:

1)I got into cooking when I took a class I high school. Holy cow, I can make food that tastes good – exactly the way I want. Also like the science experiment aspect of cooking.

2)I got into beer during a trip to Germany after college graduation. Never liked beer in college – but after trying some German offering, things started changing.

3)There wasn’t a real moment for wine. Took a course in school. Started tasting and learning more. Kept going at it…
June 25, 2009

Pete
Wow! That was a fun fun fun episode! I am so motivated to go to the liquor store right now and try some good quality Sake. Thank you so much for this episode. I am incredibly fascinated by the history and science of Sake. I learned a lot. I was thinking about your question and although I am incredibly interested in Sake I would not quite call it a beverage epiphany. The only thing I can think of that I have really enveloped myself in would be Cannoli. I have never had such an experience with a beverage yet. Who knows maybe Sake will be my first! Thanks!
June 25, 2009

Paryb
Wow Beau is kindof the man. You guys need to do a Sake show together about once a month or so.

QOTD: I’ve had a ton of awesome, “poetry in a glass” wines in my life…if I sit and think real hard I could probably remember a few of them. But the instance that sticks out in my mind was playing horseshoes at a buddies farm about twelve years ago or so, I’m just recently 21 and a corona/coors light drinker…but my buddy who is a New Mexico wine maker is there with a few bottles of Cabernet…I had tasted red wine before, but that was the first time I tasted a wine, that didn’t just taste like booze and grape juice…I mean the first time I said “Holy BALLS! This tastes like Strawberries and vanilla and pepper!” and being just flabbergasted that it didn’t have any of those things added to it. That moment forth, I started to become a wine nerd.
June 25, 2009

Thomas Moore
What a GREAT episode!! Beau was awesome & I really learned a TON about sake. I am in San Fran at the moment and I must go see this man!! Thanks again for a very cool show.
June 25, 2009

Gerald Tokem
Finally made me come to the web site and comment Gary (watch the show in iTunes usually). The Sake show was one of the best I have ever seen.

Please mute the iMac, kept thinking I was getting an email.

QOTD: Eye opening alcohol moment, first time I drank Bourbon I was hooked. But the thing that inspired passion was the “Devil’s Lettuce”.
June 25, 2009

TommyVulgar
Great episode! Tuesdays episode got me so excited that I had to have some sake that same night! (Shirakabe Gura Tokubetsu Junmai)… just couldn’t wait to see the tastings today. I’m totally in the “I’ve had hot sake a million times and cold sake 2 or 3 times” club. I’m much more excited by the premium cold sake compared to the hot that I’ve had in the past.

The bottle last night didn’t say that it was a ginj?, but the menu did say that it was “polished to 60%”… Will they always say ginj? if they are one, or is the polish not the only distinction? Or, did they maybe just make that up on the menu?!
June 25, 2009

bt86
Best. Show. Ever.
June 25, 2009

Guy
Long time watcher, first time commenter…

QotD = Epiphany beverage – Yorkshire bitter.

Other comments: I’d love to see a WLTV episode about tea. As an Englishman I’ve grown up drinking tea, and can appreciate the different flavours from South African Rooibos (redbush), through Earl Grey to Chinese green tea. Hell, you could even try some cooking PG Tips.

Milk, no sugar.
June 25, 2009

Harry
Big show, glad to start a better sake knowledge, although it would have been nice if Beau could have completed a few more thoughts…
I remember Richard Betts pouring me a 1er Cru Chablis and completely rocking my conception f what wine could be. I was a red wine fan before I realized the depth and nuance possible when you listen carefully.
I had a similar experience at Sushi Zen a couple years ago with sake. I’d only enjoyed a couple sakes before then, and am not a big fan in general, but they had a special brew that reminded me of delicate delicious melon, and brought the incredible meal to a new level.
June 25, 2009

Chris Smith
QOTD – Epiphany Beverage first time I tasted a double IPA that tasted like Grapefruit Juice (I think it was Stone’s Ruination.) It turned me into a hophead and I wanted to learn everything about beer and now brew my own!
June 25, 2009

Jesse
Very cool episode – you guys made a great team. It was hilarious. QOTD: Astronomy – when I first started walking at night and learned the sky I wanted to know everything there was to know.
June 25, 2009

Kevin K
Awesome episode.

QOTD: Black Tea, Guava, and fruity pebbles.
June 25, 2009

Angus
very excellent episode, Gary. Do more with this guy! I would also love to see you going around to wineries, sake breweries, etc. I’m surprised travel channel/food network hasnt asked you to do a travel show with them already (maybe they have.) Seconds on the tea episode. get some guy from Rishi-tea.com maybe. I drink their stuff and it’s REDONK. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! U R CRUSHIN IT.
June 25, 2009

k00k
Great episode.

QOTD: I think when I was drinking an Early Gray tea and I realized that there was Bergamot in Fruity Pebbles.
June 25, 2009

David Dadekian
Tremendous learning experience on this one. I’m the same as Gary, I love drinking sake and don’t know nearly as much as I wish I did. Thanks so much.

QOTD: I’ve had a few of those. The first time I ate dinner at a real serious restaurant in NYC would be when I realized I just loved food so so much. That would be circa 1991. I am a huge tea drinker, maybe more than Gary, first loose leaf brew kicked that in for me. As for liquor it may have been a wonderful bottle of port I bought in Vegas on Fox’s dime when I worked for them in 1998. Thanks, Uncle Rupert!
June 25, 2009

Pittsburgh Alex
at some point in the early 90’s when I had really excellent bread. It made all the difference.
June 25, 2009

jwink
Facinating education, I’ve had limited exposure to sake before and now I feel like I understand it soooooo much better. Thanks again.

QOTD: Food related it would probably be cooking and many years ago when I had the most amazing steak that I’ve ever had with Detroit “Zip-sauce”; and some amazing seafood dishes and soups as well.

Non-food it would be motorsports of all kinds and also when I started flying planes. For me, there’s nothing like the rush of man and machine as one.
June 25, 2009

Karl Laczko
Much better, Beau is a great communicator and ambassador for Sake. ROFL at the background announcements (you guys clean out the ‘fridge every day?).

I think you’re onto something with Orc ageing, it could open up a whole new market….. good for your ‘elf!

Did you really say Notre Damus?

QOTD – Epiphany moment was 3 years ago at my first wine tasting and realising that wines from similar areas and vintages didn’t taste the same, I had to know more…now see where that’s got me!

PS. I’m banned from drinking Sake at home, Sarah believes it turns me evil (long story).

PPS. Kell Brigan, nice rant, completely out of proportion and place. Grow up.
June 25, 2009

Lau
Great episode!
June 25, 2009

DANNY
great show loved it will try some this weekend
June 25, 2009

Lawrence Leichtman
Good show overall. Interesting that you have on someone who is basically a competitor at least in his own niche. WL does not carry that much Sake. Not sure what Sake has to do with a healthier lifestyle as it is an alcoholic beverage that I have seen may day workers completely blitzed on. I like Sake and continue to drink it and buy it but am not fooling myself that it is any healthier than anything else. As to epiphanies and beverages. The first time I had a well age Haut Brion, that was an epiphany for my wine drinking.
June 25, 2009

ilbe
Awesome last two episodes, it’s just that much better when the guest is honestly passionate about the beverages in question.

QOTD: About a year ago when I started working for a liquor store, first a german weissbier during a warm summer day and a little later a Zenato Ripassa with beef tenderloin. Yeah I’m new to the whole thing, but a fast learner.
June 25, 2009

Phredd
Still not diggin’ the show, although the interplay of the personalities was entertaining enough to give it a whirl. Gary, never, NEVER, interrupt someone in the QOTD. Give the guest that much freedom, at least. At least he was cool enough to step in a shut you up once or twice earlier in the show so he could finish his point. You really tanked his question, though. Not good.

QOTD, narrow version: I never had an epiphany moment on a beverage. On about my third trip to the Napa Valley, I finally realized that I didn’t think wine completely sucked. A year or so later, I realized I genuinely liked the stuff. It took a couple years after that for me to pay it enough attention to want to find out a lot more.

QOTD, broad version: As a philosophy major in college, I took a philosophy of law class. When I realized that I had just spent 15 minutes passionately debating natural law theory with the instructor while the rest of the class groaned with boredom, I realized that I had to have a JD.
June 25, 2009

DAveA
really awesome guest. When you gonna come to NC and do some fruit wines?
June 25, 2009

Dev
Super informative. thanks! There’s a saké tasting in Hawaii next month with 300 different sakés up for grabs. I’m so there now after this show. Btw Gary I’d like to see you try this one day… powdered red wine! http://tinyurl.com/nr2gzk
June 25, 2009

Cathy
can’t wait to try sake for the first time…..

love the show, so glad I couldn’t sleep the night you were on Jimmy Fallon – I didn’t know you existed until then…..

Please come to Niagara
June 25, 2009

BobMac
Great show! Loved learning more about sake.
June 25, 2009

Adam J
Straight up, this guest brought serious thunder! Truly, the amount of information and passion in this episode really rocked. Thanks to Beau and GV!
QOTD: It was wine…and it was a 1989 Lynch Bages. It was the moment the I realized, YES- wine can taste as sublime, as how the wine writers describe the best wines.
June 25, 2009

Pendrops
Best guest I’ve seen in a long time! It’s great to see two people who are super passionate play off each other. Makes me really feel inspired. And it makes me want to drink more sake.
June 25, 2009

thejob
Great set of episodes. I look forward to trying some decent sake. QoTD: technology.
June 25, 2009

Albert Winestein
Great segments. I look forward to expanding my palate and trying all kinds of Sake.

Q.O.T.D. Tech gadgets
June 25, 2009

Vinny
Good show – really knowledgeable guest. I have never tried Sake but I honestly think I will go out and try some. Partly because I have been meaning to for a while .. but also because of this episode.

QOTD – My original epiphany beverage was coffee. That is the first beverage where I started to really recognize and approeciate the differences in quality and styles of production.
June 25, 2009

TBA lover
Passion squared! Loved it.
QOTD: Epiphany moment: Back in 1985… David Bruce Pinot Noir Santa Cruz 1978 – like velvet magic in a bottle.
June 25, 2009

David T (@ONUMello)
GREAT guest, great chemistry between you two! You need to have him back soon so he can talk about the ’sommelier license’ and trying some of the other glasses there in addition to the cedar box.

QOTD: It was wine, when I was in Italy & it was one of the first wines I had had and to this day one of the best. It really got me passionate about wine which has continued for years.
June 25, 2009

Canada_Fletch
Long time Lurker, first time poster. Gary, this episode was so great I had to post. It was educational and entertaining at the same time. All you have to do to keep people interested in anything is to be passionate about what you do. Both of you showed that tonight.
QOTD: After university and drinking beer every summer I decided to have a “Summer of Scotch”. What a summer! It only took one year however for me to move on to wine and I haven’t looked back.
June 26, 2009

Zev
6 months ago, I decided to try out some serious coffee and grind it right there. I tried this mainly because of a friend who made fun of my chock full of nuts habit, saying that’s what his grandparents drink. And I got a french press and grind ed some Hawaiian Blue and I was blown away, It was the first time i really tasted the coffee, yeah I’ve been to Starbucks and got a coffee or a frapaccino (WHICH ARE AWSOME)but i never really thought about what I was drinking.
Now, I am a full fledged junkie, I have multiple grinders and a slew of french presses, vac pots, aeropress’es, drip percolators, high end espresso machine, a super-automatic espresso machine, Turkish coffee pot.
I get all my beans fresh roasted and expedited shipping then I immediately vacum pack them to keep them as fresh as possible. A total coffee nerd. And, I love it.
June 26, 2009

Elliot K
What a cool dude.

– Elliot K. *The Original C.K.C. Representative
June 26, 2009

K89
Great episode- never found a sake I liked, but I’ll keep looking
June 26, 2009

Francesco
QOTD: 1997 Shafer Hillside Select about 4yrs ago, still one of my favorite wines
June 26, 2009

victor
Gary,
in case I don’t have internet access at next stop somewhere in Tuscany, congratulations on #700!!! and mamy many more. With your daughter’s help who know how far this will go. Could you please give a shout out to my niece Raissa in Halifax from her dad and uncle missing her in Tuscany and wishing she were with us…love love the sake!
June 26, 2009

Jayhitek
Gonna be honest. I skipped around a lot on the 2nd episode. The two back to back were like an hour.
My time is valuable!
“we don’t give names”? What is he in the CIA? Give it up dude, it’s sake!
He was reborn from a Japanese Master 400 years ago….. ok..sure..
QOTD: Purple Passion grape juice that had booze in it.
real answer to that question.. It was probably when I had a good glass of red wine and realized that I only hated merlot and not all red wine.
June 26, 2009

Michael Clark
OK, so I’m lurking more than posting..excellent show..I’ve been going back and watching all episodes from #1..this two-parter will rank in the top..great job guys!

QOTD: It happened for me when I visited my first wineries and tasted my first wines in Washington and Oregon (I had always been a beer drinker) and I said to myself, “This is it..I HAVE to learn about wine..and I bought a copy of Windows on the World Wine Course by Kevin Zraly. I’m an entrepreneur and I stumbled upon GaryVaynerchuk.com which led me to winelibrarytv.com. Anyway, I’ll have to start learning about sake!
June 26, 2009

Mauricio Fernandes
Hi Gary! Hi Beau!!

Awesome 2-part show! It’s always nice to learn other subjects, and this Sake episode opened my eyes. To this day I only drank Sake in Japanese restaurants down here in Brazil, mostly Gekkeikan (Kyoto – Japan) and Azuma Kirin (São Paulo – Brazil). After this episode, I’m surely going to Liberdade neighborhood (big Japanese community in São Paulo, Brazil) to try some premium Sake.

The guest was amazing, it’s funny how GV cuts him all the time, but the result was a very, very god show.

QOTD: My eye-opening moment on a beverage was a 3-staged one:

1) In 1997 I went to Portugal with my grand-father to visit some of our family there. The Portuguese wines won me over, and from that trip on I mostly dank wine.

2) The second moment was in 2005 when my dad brought home a bottle of Amarone, that he is a big fan, and BANG!! That wine was SO good that awakened me that wine is much more than a beverage, is a life experience, full of culture, history and geography! It’s a human science! From there, my quality standards only developed, and my taste for wine made me read a lot of books and go to seminars about it.

3) The third moment was when I stated watching Gary classes (to call it a “show” doesn’t fully represent what it is!) on Winelibrary TV. From this 3rd moment on the quest for quality went around the world, as I try “expand my palate” always now.

Keep Crushing It GV!!

Best wishes,

Mauricio Fernandes.
Brazil.
June 26, 2009

BurroBoy
Great second half guys…domo arigato gozaimas.
O sake onigaishimas!

QOTD: About ten years ago I got to go to Chile to to visit the extended in-laws for the first time…I’d already been drinking wine, cooking a lot, and enjoying it for years. The patriarch had gone down into the bodega and brought up a really dusty bottle of an Undurraga red to go with the roast wild boar. Something magic happened, and since then I have always felt the need to be more conscious and responsible when pairing beverage and food.
June 26, 2009

terroirist
Looks like a little “Bromance” was sparked. Zow.
June 26, 2009

Couves
Ok, this guy not only looks like a young Alton Brown, but he also makes the same kind of corny jokes and revels in the same glorious nerdom… in a good way. Lol at the “Bromance” – great show!

QOTD: Tea – In high school I drank some of my dad’s mail-order tea after school and was blown away. In college, my friends were amused when I had tea shipped to my dorm room.
June 26, 2009

Tim C
Loved the episode. I will definitely have to give sake another go round. Keep up the wonderful work.

QOTD: It was the Hop Dragon Beer from Olde Auburn Ale House in Auburn, AL. Started my love for Hoppy beer.
June 26, 2009

GP
Fabulous show, enjoyed the sake ed. AND the 2 of you together–you should Definitely do Sake.TV together, looking forward to it.

QOTD: 1993 at a friend’s house in Pacific Grove, CA, red wine, I’ve since lost the name of it, but I know it’s no longer available. Friend wrote wine-review books, very knowledgeable. Prior to this I could take or leave wine, thought I preferred chilled white wine. I had scoffed at the saying, “Wine is like music on your tongue.” He served this wonderful wine, and for the first time in my life I Understood. He said it was one of the best he had ever tasted, asked us to guess the price, guesses were $50 to $250; it was $25: an education for me in several areas of the wine world that night.
June 26, 2009

GP
Ha–I almost fell off my stilettos! Just read the reply about Alton Brown, Love that guy, too, and oh, so true! This Alabama-girl is in nerd-heaven right now–thanks guys!
June 26, 2009

DaveH
Fun show, nice guest. I heard your iphone give the ring for email and I actually checked mine!

QOTD:It could be the day that I tried Summer Shandy by Lienkuggel, That is one amazing alcoholic beverage. I think it may have been 1 year plus a few months ago.
June 26, 2009

Chelsea
Awesome show! I can’t wait til I am 21 so I can actually try some of this stuff.
June 26, 2009

mrpat56
Great guest. I love the self taught aspects and passion the led him to sommelier. I have had only a few GOOD sake’s ,but since having the better ones I refuse to settle for less.

QOTD- First eye- opener— 1974 Heitz Marthas Vineyard, Had it in 1982, and bought a many as I could after. Its better than classic. More recently I had a Daniel Schuster 2006 Omihi Pinot Noir, as seen here. Tasted it yesterday. Outstanding– again I bought all I could today. I think Parker underratted it.
June 26, 2009

Christopher Scoggin
This was a really great pair of episodes. I am glad you let it run to two parts but even so it almost seemed rushed. You should have him back in six months or so and dig into Sake even more.

QOTD: Chocolate. The first time a had real, honest to goodness chocolate (in Brussels) I new I had to know more and became a bit of a chocolate snob (but I got better… sorta ).
June 26, 2009

DanM
Spectacular show(s). Follow through on your Oprah-Dr. Oz plan, I’d make time for another beverage show.

I loved how you guys played off each other. Do another sake show together when you’re at his store, maybe a store tour with some tastings.
June 27, 2009

Jonathon Guzicki
Great! you’ve again added something to my list of things that I’ve got to try!

QotD: my (alcoholic beverage) epiphany moment was sitting in Mestre, Italy with some of my friends when the waiter brought us some local red wine. It absolutely blew my mind that something as simple as where it came from could change my perceptions that much. In my limited experience previous to that, I had basically assumed that all wines were pretty much the same within the variety, but tasting wines from different places and different types of wine, crafted by different people and in different ways really peaked my interest.
June 27, 2009

Stephen
Are there any QPR genuine Japanese sakes? All 3 of the ones on the show were kind of pricey (for me). I know that SakeOne/Momokowa from Oregon is an alternative, but how about a more reasonably priced Japanese sake.
All in all, a great show (both Part 1 & 2) that I enjoyed.
June 27, 2009

YoungDave
F-ing phenomenal episode. Seriously. I’m going to start diving into Sake MUCH more than I have been lately.

QOTD: Recently I guess I would say Sashimi and Sushi. The whole raw seafood and raw meat play- like ceviche (love the acid) and carpaccio as well. Growing up, the thought of anything raw was dangerous to me, but recently I dove into this category and am all about it… which is a perfect time to get more into Sake!
June 27, 2009

ben from boston
my interests are too diverse for one passion and my attention span too short, but the first time i saw gary v talk about expanding your palate, i knew i was on the right track. to me expanding your palate isnt just about taste, its about all your senses and experiences.
June 27, 2009

mjr
great episodes

great guest. i live in tokyo so will chase down those bottles.

mucho arigatou gozaimasu

mjr
June 27, 2009

John
June 10 my wife and I had wine pairing with a 13 course tasting menu at 11 Madison Park restaurant in NYC. We were really interested in trying the white wines which dominated the pairing. To our surprise they started with sake and a tiny slice of halibut. It was great, when we inquired they said total production was only one barrel. I don’t remember the name but it was an eye opener starting the meal with sake. I travel a lot on business and have been to Japan many times. My Japanese hosts who are “into” sake exposed me to many premium brands but none ever wowed me the way this one did. It was very flavorful and the finish went on for minutes.
June 27, 2009

M
QOTD: I’ll go with a wine moment. My husband and I didn’t know a tremendous amount about wine and in August 1996, we went to France. We were wine drinkers but not wine nerds (yet). On that vacation, we tasted wine in basements/cellars in Gevrey Chambertin. We had no idea at the time that we were in a famous wine village. There is still a special place in our hearts for the wines of Burgundy.

I work in a wine and spirits shop but I have yet to try Sake. I don’t think we carry any top tier Sake in the store but I will investigate and taste something soon.
June 27, 2009

JenB
What a great show! I wish Beau had a store in Chicago. Beau…How about Chicago?
I loved the fact that you were able to keep up with Gary. The two of you were racing and evenly matched.
LOoking forward to future shows!

Domo-arigato
June 27, 2009

David A McClain
That was beautiful! I enjoyed that episode tremendously. Completely infectious! Wonderful. Thanks!
June 28, 2009

Jason.k
One word for this episode………Awesome. By the way was that Jim Carrey improving? Either way great episode.
June 28, 2009

Myles K
2005. Monterey. I’m at the Talbott tasting room and Gary Pisoni is standing to my left, Robb Talbott to my right. They’re both in t-shirts and jeans. I’m sipping the newest Cuvee Audrey release, and listening to these two icons of the wine world laugh, drink, and smile. I’d always had this image in my head of Baroness Phillipine de Rothschild standing at the entrance of her famed Chateau, and of a club into which I would never be granted membership. But there at that tasting room, sipping local chardonnay and listening to Pisoni and Talbott, I saw the spirit of le vin.

That’s when I knew that wine was something magical.
June 29, 2009

Zach
Awesome episodes. We live in the Bay Area and will visit True Sake soon.

Epiphany beverage… so hard… for beer it was Sierra Nevada when I was living on the east coast in 1992, I couldn’t believe beer could taste like that. For wine there have been so many… NZ Sauv. Blanc in 1999, aged Bordeaux in 2003, aged riesling in 2008… I hope they keep on coming. Can’t wait for my sake epiphany!
June 29, 2009

looper
Great episode. It is awe inspiring to see someone so passionate about their field. Beau is truly “Crushing It”
QOTD: Orange juice. 1993, I tasted some fresh squeezed juice that made me an orange juice snob to this day. I, was 13 years old and immediately went to the encyclopedia brittanica to find out what concentrate was and how to eliminate it from my juice drinking world.
June 29, 2009

Jarvis
Wow… Many corny moments. However, loved the show, and thank you WLTV for producing a bad ass Sake show. Check the comments in the past, and see I left a comment on asking for a Sake show, since I will be traveling to Japan from Aug to Dec. What!

QOTD. Artichokes!!! I make a artichoke pasta with pesto and its bangin.
June 29, 2009

Joshua Schulz
I’m a cocktail guy, but after this episode and some of the expirimentation going on with Sake in the cocktail world… I am SO in to sake. Great epi.
June 29, 2009

Michael Steele
My epiphony moments, I have two:

#1. Back in 1994 I used to just drink Kendall-Jackson chardonnay because my girlfriend liked it. I really was a vodka & tonic guy. Then one day a friend of mine asked if I liked red wine. Nope was my answer. He said I needed to try something. It was an old vine Turley Zinfandel. I was forever changed. I had to know everything there was to know about red wine.

#2. In 1999 I moved to LA and a friend took my to Sushi Roku. Up until then I had only had the bad, hot sake. To my shock and pleasure Roku had a sake sommelier. He asked a bunch of questions and then suggested a bottle of Tomanohikari. I was forever changed. Blew my mind that sake could taste like that. Unreal. Now I seek it out wherever I can.

Great episode!
June 29, 2009

Kristopher Murata
Brazilian lurker here, attending your call!

Great show, I will certainly go out and find some sake here to give it a try.

QOTD: A 8 years old Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky, in the college, before that moment whisky was just a high alcohol drink with no taste. The funny fact is that now after loving wine for about a year or so even the most fine old blended (or not) whisky is just high alcohol again..
June 30, 2009

John Gaga
QOTD: my first beer was a guinness extra stout when I was younger, I thought it was the worst thing on earth and that it “started off with an after taste”. It took me almost 5 years to even try a beer again when I helped a friend of mine complete a home brew we were working on for a few months. He really wanted me to try the fruits of his/our labor, so I did, and at that moment I knew that quality beer would be a big part of my life. Also, having over come that mental block, it led me to be able to appreciate the finer points of cigars, cognac, and now wine, but after this show I may have to take a hiatus from wine for a few months to learn about Saki, which I only thought came as the Nigori type a few years back.
thanks and happy drinking!
June 30, 2009

Alan
2005. Chimay Blue, Grand Reserve. Opened my eyes to the intense complexity and craft that is Belgian Beer.
June 30, 2009

JayZee
Freaking awesome episode, GV! Beau is phenomenally radool! A truly GREAT guest. Boy, follow up the Sasha Show with the Sake guy – you continue to amaze me by pumping out the outstanding content time and time again. I am truly in awe. Keep it going, dude!

Props to Beau. O-H-I-O. I admire his passion and his knowledge. I didn’t give a rat’s ass about sake but now I want to try it because of his passion for the beverage. I’ve had sake a couple of times. I even had some at a Japanese reception in Geneva, Switzerland drank out of the cedar box from a barrel. But it wasn’t great, just an interesting experience. I doubt that it ws premium sake. So now I have to try a premium sake. Thanks!

QOTD: This episode was somewhat of an epiphany in that it got me interested in trying some premium sake. However, my real epiphany was in 1988 when I was first getting into red wine and tasted a Medoc Bordeaux. That’s when I began my passion for wine and my quest for wine knowledge.
June 30, 2009

Lurker
As a beverage manager 3 years ago I was tasted on Reyka Vodka and Hendrick’s Gin and fell in love.
June 30, 2009

Mike in C-town
Gary: Loved the two episodes. Interesting how all the Golden Girls in the nation are kvetching over them. What happened to expanding your palate?

I’ve also wanted to learn more about good sake just as my experience and taste has evolved in wines.
Fortunately, my daughter is currently living in Japan. So, timing being what it is, I visited her for about two weeks and we did a little research when in Kyoto. I brought back several bottles and would love to know what I have – the kicker being that since I got them in Japan, there is no English on ‘em.
Hard to pass up though as all I saw were 10 to 14 bones.

Loved Beau’s passion and the chemistry. Shout out to the Ohio boys!
I could see the wheels turning and am really looking forward to Social Sake TV with Beau. Bring it on and bring it hard!
June 30, 2009

Derek Jensen
Best… Guest… EVER! Gary, please make “Sake library TV” happen!
July 1, 2009

Melissa Roof
This was TERRIFIC! I’ve been a sake fan for several years now, but just went to my first actual Sake tasting here in Las Vegas at Little Buddha at The Palms this month, and had my eyes opened in a way I could never imagine. So seeing this episode on WLTV is just phenomenal. Gary, please keep it up. Sake is really the up and coming beverage that you alluded to at the end of this episode, and I think there is a tremendous opportunity here for you to help the increasing numbers who are gaining interest in this fabulous beverage. Arigato!
July 1, 2009

Agoodman
Qotd: in 2004 I had the 1999 carobbio chianti Classico riserva. Wine has never been the same since.
July 1, 2009

AMM3RD
5th Anniversary in Burgundy, went there without having much of the wine, then I fell in love.

This guy rocks! Next time i’m in SFO on Biz, i’m going to look him up. Taking a custi for dinner tonight, i plan on ordering an expensive Sake, and start working on my palate…AMM

“The pursuit…”
July 1, 2009

Leephus
After watching these 2 episodes, I am going to go buy my first bottle of sake and give a try. Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge. I felt the Thunder!

QOTD: When I was young my father took me fishing, in the back of his old truck he brought a small hibachi style grill. On the tailgate of that truck we cleaned the fish we caught and cooked them over the wood we collected from near by. That moment I realized that things can be better because of what you put into it. I think I have been a foodie ever since, which continues for me with beer, wine, and hopefully sake.
July 2, 2009

Solomon in Seattle
Tremendous two part episode! Gary, bring Beau back! More sake education, please!

QOTD: Wine is the first beverage that inspired me to learn all about it. In my early education I read through the entire “Wine Bible” twice. It’s so addictive. Anticlimactically, though, there was no one eye opening moment. Wine has been a steady progression.
July 6, 2009

Christopher
Been watching for a long time and am finally making a comment!

Just wanted to say that I really liked the guest and the topic and hope you have him back. I had a lingering interesting in sake that I was waiting to act on someday, but now this jump-starts the urge. It’s explained in answering your QOTD.

QOTD: With wine, I actually hadn’t really paid much attention to it, but I heard of WLTV from Diggnation and when I finally checked it out, it was the way Gary would get into describing the experience and taste that got me intrigued with trying out wine whenever it comes up. With sake, I never tried it until this year and just got some random one off the shelf. I took a sip and was captivated by how clean it was. Over a couple weeks, I would drink it as a nightcap, and realized I really liked it as it didn’t give me any cruddy feeling once getting into it like beer or wine. Since then, I have wanted to experience more of sake.
July 8, 2009

TimCthefilmguy
QOTD – Blew 2 full days of per diem on one meal at Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa in ‘03. Awesome small plates and several great wines but had the epiphany with an 02 Sonoma Pino Noir. It actually made me laugh out loud when I drank it, it was so perfect. Didn’t know enough then to even remember who made it. Never tasted a Pino since that I have liked, but it started me down the path. I’m glad you used the word because ‘epiphany’ is how I’ve always described that moment.
July 9, 2009

Allen
Best episode ever, hands down.

QOTD: Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout. I bought a sixer on a whim, back when I thought Stella was a great beer. When I drank the first bottle I thought, “too sweet.” When I drank the second bottle I thought, “too burnt.” When I drank the third bottle it just clicked.
July 10, 2009

Torque-it
A “Top Ten Episode” for sure.

QOTD: The first time I tasted truly good homebrew – it was at one of the first meetings of Idaquaffer Brew Club in Boise ID, circa ~1983. Prior to that, commercial beer was well, commercial beer, and homebrews had a yeasty/cider off taste. That Idaquaffer club brew was a malty, hoppy, wonder and set me off into the world of homebrewing and craft beers. My love of wine has been an evolution of that moment.
July 19, 2009

Dan-o
That may be the best episode that I have seen on WLTV to date.
There was the intrigue factor – a new beverage and an expert guest.
There was chemistry – although you cut him off at the end, there was a real good dialog.

QOTD – There are many epiphanies in life:
- Beverage – the first time I drank Bordeaux hooked me.
- Religion – all things came into focus when my father died.
- Love – meeting my wife!
July 20, 2009

Little Jonny
Spectacular!!! It was neat to see Gary so excited that he couldn’t get out of the episodes (and Beau’s) way! Wonderfully informative. NE Ohio Represent!

QOTD: My first was probably BBQ. While nuances abound, that process was simple enough that I was able to learn about it quickly. My second was a dram of of Laphroaig at a local BBQ place (theme arising quickly here), which set my mouth ablaze in a whirl of flavors and textures (loved the oily character). Both beautiful moments in my life! I’ll forever be a peat-freak and a Q-head!!!
August 3, 2009

T. Holland
Great episode. He was tremendous guest. Really enjoyed it.

QOTD: Drinking a 2000 Terra Brune from Sardinia. Blew my mind. Spent more time smelling the wine than drinking it.
QOTD Subset- My first experience at a Steakhouse- Morton’s. Grew up eating overcooked steak. Had no idea that it could taste so good.
August 19, 2009

Hiro
Hi Gary,

I really think this show’s idea is interesting and the two episodes were fantastic, but your interruptions were too much, especially on the Episode 1. Please let us listen to your guest!

I’m a SF resident and when I visited Beau’s store, I was blown away about the sake collection. I’m so glad to meet the owner through this show. I’m Japanese and I’ve never seen that good collection even considering the stores in Japan.

His knowledge of sake must be unbelievable and needs to be shared with English speaking audience. I’m very interested in more episodes between you two! (The Episode 2 was awesome!)

Lastly, I want people to try a sake called “HAKKAISAN” one day. That’s the sake which made me realize “sake is VERY tasty and truly real deal.”

Hiro
August 25, 2009

zzDavewhite
I live in Modesto, I will definitly be there for your book signing to get your books signed and to pick up some sake.
August 27, 2009

RabidRaja
Great episode! Cool, down-to-earth peeps. Awesome show.

If I stand outside during the episode, can I get some of the stuff they were cleaning out of the fridge?
October 5, 2009

Hakuin
Beau had so much to share yet Gary—in Japan from where I write–silence is also valuable, your interruptions took so much away from this missed opportunity. Sake is, as you noted, a very under-appreciated and not yet understood beverage. I will disagree with Beau though–as a resident here since 1984–that sake is a workingman’s drink, in general. True to some extent, yet a gross exaggeration. And the vessel theme was not shown in the true way, sake is generally drunk from porcelain–such as Imari–or more often from stoneware–such a Bizen–and glass in the summer; I look forward to an episode looking at the history of sake vessels and how they too change the flavor profile. Hope to see you both here in Japan, let me take you to a great local sake pub. Kampai.