Nearly thirty five years ago, with just a handful of TV stations to choose from, we Brits were treated to the final series of what I think is one of our finest comedies: Blackadder Goes Forth.c

In Part 1 of this ranting article I gave, with help from Tom Wilson at Kanpai London, a quick snapshot of the post-pandemic Sake restaurant scene in the UK. It’s not bad, on the right trajectory but still could do better.

Could do better, three words that strike fear into the hearts of any parent on opening a report card. But this isn’t a nostalgic review of my school days, it’s a fitting comment for the state of the nation when it comes to Britain’s Sake scene.

Marooned residents are taking sake enjoyment to new levels, riding a wave of increased supply and diversification.

The best thing about 2020 is that it’s almost over.

A few days back it was the six-month anniversary of this Sake Matters blog.

I started getting to grips with it back in late March, a few days after my plane touched down from Osaka and its half capacity of passengers, many sporting PPE (white is the new black in 2020 I believe), skulked gingerly through a very quiet Hong Kong arrivals hall.

Turbot, I love it, when I can afford it. Scallops too, overwhelmed by a tidal wave of foaming nutty butter in a pan but sometimes I just crave a simple piece of grilled mackerel with a squeeze of lemon, rather than a truffle beurre blanc sauce. And the same applies to my approach to Sake drinking.

After some international stories this month, I thought it time to bring things closer to home. I have access to some great Sake in Hong Kong, an amazing selection of Japanese restaurants, I’m even learning Japanese face to face (well, face to Perspex to face) with my tutor from Osaka, yet I am still craving to be in Japan. 

Terroir, just seven letters, is a concept we all get, kind of. We have a view of it, a feeling about it, but try and put those thoughts down comprehensively on paper (as I thought I would easily be able to) and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for a second sheet.