In this episode, we audibly cross the seas to Australia and spend time chatting with Matt Kingsley Shaw, one half of the team that is Melbourne Sake.

It seemed only fitting to chat with an Australian guest whilst Simone, (who is based in Melbourne), was traveling in Japan. This is the first episode where we, (Maki and Simone), have been in the same country, let alone the same room, during a recording. We had so much fun chatting with Matt whilst tasting the most recent releases from Melbourne Sake.

'After working together at a Melbourne wine bar in 2014, it didn’t take long for Matt Kingsley Shaw and Quentin Hanley to take their first baby steps into the world of Sake.

Although a little confused and overwhelmed at first, they were spurred on by a next level meal at the (sadly now closed) Kappo on Flinders Lane.  If they were only scratching at the surface of the sake rabbit hole before, this experience sent the boys tumbling down.  Amazed by the range, complexity and depth of flavour possible in sake, they were hooked.

The next few years were spent exploring new styles and producers, learning as much as they could about both, followed by a tilt at home brewing.

Inspired by that experience at Kappo and emboldened by many long nights of sake “research”, they decided they would have to do it themselves and Melbourne Sake was born.'

2001 saw Melbourne Sake celebrate their first commercial release of their brew and in this episode, we get a little further insight into how their story began, what's happening for them right now, and what lies ahead for boys at Melbourne Sake.

Sadly, Quentin was in transit during the time of this recording, but we hope to catch up with both Matt and Quentin in a future podcast episode and hear how things are progressing for Melbourne Sake.

Ganbatte guys!

More information about Taste with the Toji - The Project can be found on our website: https://tastewiththetoji.com/

You can subscribe to this Podcast at Patreon

Music by: Kazuyoshi Sato (Koikawa Shuzo)

Other suggested links from this episode:

Melbourne Sake

Zenkuro Sake

Black Market Sake

Marivale Farm

Bar Liberty

Simon Denton

Sake Bar Yoramu

Gozenshu

Tamagawa

Ombra

Supernormal

Bydri

Grossi Group