Join hosts Samuel Boulton and guest Sam Chatterji for a 2 part talk about something non-japanese! In this episode, we celebrate Sam’s recent win at the UKBG Moutai Expedition Cocktail Competition, where he secured 1st place. The cocktail and we discuss our recent travels to Moutai Town, China, to explore the home of sauce aroma baijiu. This trip was generally generously supported by Jazz Trading UK as well as UKBG and Kweichow Moutai.

Disclaimer: We had a small issue with our host Samuel’s mic in this episode, so please excuse the lower audio quality than usual.

In this episode of The Izakaya Happy Hour Podcast, host Samuel Boulton sits down with sake translator and educator Arline Lyons, and sake importer and educator Erika Haigh, to explore the world of sake and shochu courses.

Together, they share their must-do courses, what you can expect to learn, and their personal opinions on where to start if you’re considering formal education in sake or shochu. From beginner-friendly introductions to more advanced certifications, this conversation lays out the pathways available for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge.

This episode sets the stage for a follow-up where we’ll break down each course in detail, from content to pricing and beyond. So you can find the right fit for your journey.

Whether you’re a drinks professional, a brewer, or simply passionate about Japanese beverages, this discussion is packed with insights to help you navigate the world of sake and shochu learning.

Join the Conversation:

Have you taken a sake or shochu course? Which one helped you the most? Let us know on social @theizakayahappyhour or drop us a message!

In this tasty little episode of Cam & Sam Talks, Camilla gets her first spoonfuls of Gelato San, Sam’s brand new Japanese-inspired ice cream ! 🍨🇯🇵

Tune in as Cam blind-tastes a range of unique flavours, reacts in real-time, and the duo chats about:

• ​ What makes Gelato San different
• ​ Flavour inspiration from Japanese sweets and culture
• ​ The magic (and madness) of launching a new food brand

Short and sweet, this episode is a must-listen for foodies, Japan lovers, and anyone who’s curious about creative small-batch desserts.