Japan Distilled: A Conversation with Stephen Lyman

After the first ever shochu episode back in 2017 A Shochu Lesson with Erik Zmara, I received a tweet from a gentleman in Japan that was working in a distillery. He sent some responses to questions we weren’t able to answer during that episode. That man was Stephen Lyman and his life has been a whirlwind since that tweet.

Stephen is now lives in Japan, is the co-author of the James Beard Finalist The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks, hosts a podcast called Japan Distilled, and continues to spend every season working at a distillery in southern Japan.

There is a lot to unpack in an hour. So, if you haven’t listened to it already, check out A Shochu Lesson with Erik Zmara. It’s a great primer for this week’s show.

For further info on shochu availability in the United States, check out Honkaku Spirits, where Stephen works as an ambassador and educator.