This week on Japan Eats host Akiko interviews the former bartender of Le Bernardin, Brian Matthys, about his love of the Japanese distilled beverage, shochu. Akiko and Brian discuss his journey as a bartender, dispel some common misconceptions of shochu, and go in depth about the history of the drink. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“There’s a tremendous amount of Japanese ingredients that I’ve used both with western spirits and Japanese [spirits] as well.” [33:10]

“For bartenders, it’s great because it’s a whole new set of flavors to work with and play around with.” [33:33]

—Brian Matthys on Japan Eats