How Master Brewer James Jin Brought Premium Sake Back to California - Handmade

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  • čas přidán 7. 09. 2021
  • Using rice sourced entirely from farms in Northern California, Nova Brewing Co. has been producing premium sake using traditional methods at their Los Angeles brewery since 2019. In this episode of Handmade, co-founder James Jin showcases the complex process of Nova's sake production, from making their own koji all the way through fermentation and bottling.
    Credits:
    Producer: Carla Francescutti
    Director: Murilo Ferreira
    Camera: Connor Reid, Murilo Ferreira
    Editor: Murilo Ferreira
    Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
    Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
    Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
    Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
    ----------------------------------------------------
    For more episodes of 'Handmade,' click here: trib.al/7ytU5Ww
    Eater is the go-to resource for food and restaurant obsessives with hundreds of episodes and new series, featuring exclusive access to dining around the world, rich culture, immersive experiences, and authoritative experts. Binge it, watch it, crave it.
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Komentáře • 460

  • @GregBeckNYC
    @GregBeckNYC Před 2 lety +1312

    A lot of comments from people about sweat make me realize how little they understand about brewing. Every brewer sweats hard making beer, wine, or cider, even with industrial equipment. This is one man producing handmade Saké, people. If he ain't sweating, he's doing it wrong. 100% sanitary, btw. I noticed him using best brewing practices throughout. Steaming and fermentation would eliminate any miniscule amount of sweat that got in there in the early stages.

    • @afterfall8133
      @afterfall8133 Před 2 lety +94

      This folks never do hard labour work , hell even 5 Stars restaurant own by Gordon Ramsay the chef will always sweat.

    • @vonnsswedan2935
      @vonnsswedan2935 Před 2 lety +22

      Its not a good product when the maker is not sweating

    • @arvismorvis7254
      @arvismorvis7254 Před 2 lety +60

      Welcome to the generation of the Snowflakes, be careful blowing some air into their faces may just kill them 😂

    • @firstnamesurname2210
      @firstnamesurname2210 Před 2 lety +18

      Seriously lol this man picks up pounds of rice, getting them around and you expect him not to sweat?

    • @eric29armstrong
      @eric29armstrong Před 2 lety +13

      Adds flavour

  • @JohnDoe-dw7or
    @JohnDoe-dw7or Před 2 lety +341

    Not sure why this was not mentioned, but the reason he is sweating so much is because the koji needs to be at warm (36C/100F) temperature to grow and ferment. Add the hot SoCal sun and in house steaming of rice in a poorly insulated warehouse, you have working conditions more than worthy of heat stroke warnings

    • @2chanjae
      @2chanjae Před 2 lety +11

      Plus when it goes to fermentation in goes into this onzyoushizu which means like a oven, but like at 36 Celsius. So yup very very humid and hot

    • @unquietgrave4444
      @unquietgrave4444 Před 2 lety +5

      Don't forget the light from the video shooting too. Those things will have you soaked to the soaks in the dead of winter.

    • @KhanMann66
      @KhanMann66 Před 2 lety +1

      Better not tell people how beer is made.

    • @Melicoy
      @Melicoy Před 2 lety +3

      Japanese wear cloth on head !!!!

    • @JohnDoe-dw7or
      @JohnDoe-dw7or Před 2 lety

      @@Melicoy 英語下手だな

  • @Lord.Kiltridge
    @Lord.Kiltridge Před 2 lety +147

    These vids really change my perspective. When I see something on a shelf, I used to imagine vast automated factories and warehouses cranking out tons of product, completely devoid of humanity. I see this and know that a person thought about the product. Investing heart and soul in it. I see life and love where before I saw none. It really makes a difference.

    • @MTMF.london
      @MTMF.london Před 2 lety +10

      You are not wrong about factories cranking out tons of product but most of them are for mass consumption and priced accordingly. This kind of small scale, artisanal, hand made product is aimed at entirely different kind of consumers and most likely quite expensive.

    • @tridenttalisman8096
      @tridenttalisman8096 Před 2 lety +7

      @@MTMF.london indeed. and artisan sake would taste different in every batch. so, it's like an adventure for me as the drinker. i love it.

    • @YourSenpaiZoro
      @YourSenpaiZoro Před 2 lety

      Me too bro.🙌🙌

    • @significantlystrangeboi9929
      @significantlystrangeboi9929 Před 8 měsíci

      Amazing, isn't it?

    • @glidershower
      @glidershower Před 7 měsíci

      The Temperance in the early 20th century ruined what used to be an old American craft. Up to that point, beer breweries and mash distilleries were very very popular, and regions would have many variants of brews and spirits, usually stemming from ancient family recipes. When temperance died out in the mid/late 30's, most of those small-batch crafts died out, and only macrobreweries like Anheuser-Busch managed to resist the hit, which explains the massive lack of variety in modern American beers until the past two decades.
      Glad to see micro businesses still carving a niche in the mainstream market. Much rather pay a premium for a quality drink than be disappointed because I saved some money.

  • @greywolf0167
    @greywolf0167 Před 2 lety +70

    Its so nice to see so much passion in a young person...he should be proud...and train 4 people for expansion...cause this man has the right stuff

  • @thugitz1990
    @thugitz1990 Před 2 lety +651

    If anyone is bugging about him sweating, think about what the kitchens are like at your favorite restaurant. More ppl with more hot conditions with more hands touching a single dish. This is way cleaner than 99.99% of kitchens you eat at. Your own grandmother probably cooked with her bare hands while licking her fingers to taste along the way. Trippin for nun

    • @Jaomaui
      @Jaomaui Před 2 lety +3

      I mean how do u know. Maybe off camera he is just crapping in the sake.

    • @thugitz1990
      @thugitz1990 Před 2 lety +12

      @@Jaomaui seems probable

    • @RealECM
      @RealECM Před 2 lety +1

      The VAST majority of commercial kitchens have exhaust and make-up air systems that run alongside the buildings A/C to maintain comfortable temperatures in the kitchen. That being said, I wouldn't at all be worried about the cleanliness of his product. It's unfortunate he has to deal with that crazy temp and humidity all day

    • @ngatatu6591
      @ngatatu6591 Před 2 lety +2

      Your comment makes me sweat all over my keyboard like a chubby mafioso in a sauna!

    • @thugitz1990
      @thugitz1990 Před 2 lety +1

      @@RealECM with all that, I would sweat within 2 minutes standing at my station on the line. Unless ur garde manger. But even during rush hour I’d sweat even if I was working garde manger.

  • @zechen6879
    @zechen6879 Před 2 lety +41

    One minute in and ma man already drenched, that’s how fire the sake gon be 🔥 🔥 🔥

  • @brittlecharm
    @brittlecharm Před rokem +5

    After watching several videos inside large sake breweries in Japan, I'm really impressed with how he's using stuff like Home Depot buckets, milk crates, and those big tubs I remember holding balls in school - to make sake. He's doing the same steps, but with what he can get at scale to make it work.

  • @servbotz
    @servbotz Před 2 lety +82

    GREAT sake here! I didn't really like sake before, but the sake James makes is drinkable like wine. It really made me appreciate the taste of sake. James is a super great guy too!

    • @iii1429
      @iii1429 Před 2 lety +3

      It makes me so happy so see comments like this, I live on the other side of earth, but it's always great to hear people appreciate them and their craft!!

    • @servbotz
      @servbotz Před 2 lety +9

      @@iii1429 Luckily I live only 20 mins away from Nova Brewing. And the first time I went, about 6 months ago, James was super friendly and open to chat. I went home with 2 bottles of his namazake and was so amazed by how good it was to drink. I've been to Japan before and even tried 40+ sake from Kurand Sake Mart but never was really able to appreciate the flavors. But the sake from James changed my perspective on it and converted me to a sake drinker! Since then, I've been back multiple times and happy to see him doing so well!

    • @rezalustig6773
      @rezalustig6773 Před 2 lety

      I like saké as is, so this stuff must be phenomenal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the brewery ships it out of state :(

    • @gatsuful
      @gatsuful Před 2 lety

      @@rezalustig6773 Not yet ;) we just need to be patient :)

  • @riffraff9070
    @riffraff9070 Před 2 lety +11

    Mad respect to his dedication to hand made sake and his work to produce the best he can. Def gonna get a bottle of this.

  • @emagee7864
    @emagee7864 Před 2 lety +12

    So impressive to see the hard work and dedication it takes to make sake. Not to mention he had to understand the chemistry and engineer the whole process. Keep up the good work.

  • @wolfingitdown2047
    @wolfingitdown2047 Před 2 lety +14

    Another inspiring business owner putting their heart and soul into their product. Thank you for these series!

  • @matthewbrook7683
    @matthewbrook7683 Před měsícem

    I am an artesenal distiller. I have mad respect for this guy. Your not distilling unless your sweating. Artesenal spirits are a labor of love, but they are still labor. I almost laughed when he said sometimes I am working till 1 am. THere have been many a day when I have left my distillery at 11 or 12 pm. Only get get up the next day at 8 am to mash in again. THis guy is the real deal.

  • @nacs
    @nacs Před 2 lety +87

    Great documentary, love the guy's passion.

  • @Jaeger04
    @Jaeger04 Před 2 lety +79

    Super interesting, I had no idea they were making Sake like this in CA.
    Thank you eater for the brilliant video!

    • @bansky3237
      @bansky3237 Před 2 lety +1

      U did not even see the full video yet tho

    • @GregBeckNYC
      @GregBeckNYC Před 2 lety +2

      There are a few, Sequoia and Den in the Bay area, Setting Sun and Rebel in San Diego, and bigger Japanese companies in Berkeley and L.A., but this is so legit and stands up to any of them

  • @LukasDubeda
    @LukasDubeda Před 2 lety +33

    The sweat is a sign of a well done work. I appretiate it very much.

  • @phenom1790
    @phenom1790 Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you for this super informative and interesting video. Many of the brewery tours that I've physically been at (ok, probably two irl) didn't really reveal the brewing process to this extent. This dude is a legit scientist.

  • @BLegit196
    @BLegit196 Před 2 lety +1

    It's very inspiring to see such young people who are masters at their craft on your channel.

  • @GodzHarleyGirlStudio
    @GodzHarleyGirlStudio Před rokem +3

    You should be proud, young man. You’re doing your family a great honor. Well done!

  • @BD-lq4id
    @BD-lq4id Před 2 lety +2

    This guy is awesome. So much dedication to and love for his craft.

  • @Jim1alaska
    @Jim1alaska Před rokem +1

    I've been home brewing saki for 8 or 10 years now. I settled on Calrose rice early on.
    Quite enjoyed this video!

  • @jesusmejia1334
    @jesusmejia1334 Před 2 lety

    This is a master at his craft. Kudos to him for taking every measure to meet satisfaction at his curiosity

  • @leemichaeljenkins7060
    @leemichaeljenkins7060 Před 3 měsíci

    Beautiful to see somebody that is passionate about what he is into !

  • @trivium1458
    @trivium1458 Před 2 lety +2

    I love his passion. Very cool to see the process. I have a new appreciation for sake.

  • @vocaloidfans4ever
    @vocaloidfans4ever Před 2 lety +3

    I absolutely LOVE his passion!

  • @nicholaidraai1111
    @nicholaidraai1111 Před 2 lety +48

    Sake is amazing. Oh screw the sweat. Seriously. These people know what they doing. Yummy yummy Sake!!!!

  • @jumpjasper5276
    @jumpjasper5276 Před 2 lety +1

    As a brewer, I totally get his passion. Good job. Shout out from the Palouse, NW territory

  • @craigmiesterable
    @craigmiesterable Před 2 lety +1

    His hardwork and dedication is what makes him achieve a great product. Amazing job (:

  • @bankerdave888
    @bankerdave888 Před 2 lety +14

    "Humbleness" is a good virtue!

  • @realitynuggets6204
    @realitynuggets6204 Před 2 lety

    This dude is super smart AND hard working. Best of luck to you, James!

  • @michaelsmdk
    @michaelsmdk Před 2 lety +2

    praise the sun my dude! Solaris sands his blessing to you and your sake business!

  • @bgnkrnt
    @bgnkrnt Před 2 lety +1

    love to see a craftman doing his work like this video

  • @CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb
    @CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb Před 2 lety +1

    Good for him. Working hard, pursuing his passion. I’ll buy some of his sake.

  • @jorad4887
    @jorad4887 Před 2 lety +1

    Hard work and dedication makes great products.

  • @3Helium3
    @3Helium3 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you for sharing your culture with your hard work.

  • @defnotmee5085
    @defnotmee5085 Před 2 lety

    Really great overview with nice depth of detail. Gave me, a sake home brewer a few ideas! Respect!

  • @chuckjones7218
    @chuckjones7218 Před 2 lety

    What an amazing individual effort

  • @MessyTimes
    @MessyTimes Před rokem +1

    That was a comprehensive and succinct coverage of the sake process. Thanks for taking the time. I had the tragic (financially speaking) misfortune of being introduced to premium sake 20 years ago. I'd be a great deal richer today had I stuck to crap hot sake! But my life would have been immeasurably impoverished.

  • @2_fitnesss523
    @2_fitnesss523 Před 2 lety +1

    Respect the hard work!

  • @staesti
    @staesti Před 2 lety +3

    Looks awesome. Keep it up!

  • @bensons999
    @bensons999 Před 2 lety +16

    What a lovely guy.

  • @carlosjauregui825
    @carlosjauregui825 Před 2 lety

    Great education video. I give this man his respect!

  • @vaelderion
    @vaelderion Před 2 lety +1

    3:41 I love how natural Netflix sfx and the beginning of the music mixed together

  • @rustytrombone2357
    @rustytrombone2357 Před 2 lety +1

    Proud of you, keep up the good work.

  • @MudPig6110
    @MudPig6110 Před 2 lety +3

    Everyone should check out the documentary, “the birth of sake”, its tremendously hard work and its amazing that he is doing all of that himself.

  • @AkkayaOzgun
    @AkkayaOzgun Před 2 lety +31

    Working almost every day, mostly by himself in the blistering heat, and sometimes until 1am. He has to be one of the hardest working people alive. I'd totally understand if he charged tenfold commercial sake prices. Truly dedicated.

  • @funwithcars3154
    @funwithcars3154 Před 2 lety +49

    Now you’ve got me thinking that I should look at giving this a go here in Australia 🤔

    • @kixxtheanubis4818
      @kixxtheanubis4818 Před 2 lety +1

      That would be nice 👍

    • @diegoa137
      @diegoa137 Před 2 lety

      Do it

    • @ICDeadPeeps
      @ICDeadPeeps Před 2 lety

      Live culture sake, I highly doubt there is an oversaturation in any market (especially in Australia) due to the limited window you can truly appreciate it. So, what's stopping you?

    • @The_momur
      @The_momur Před 2 lety +1

      Why not? Sounds like a great idea. I’d love to see Australian sake on the shelves.

    • @Max-lf4br
      @Max-lf4br Před 2 lety

      do it please

  • @danielhobson5795
    @danielhobson5795 Před 2 lety

    love this series

  • @johnnyy072
    @johnnyy072 Před 2 lety

    Amazing story, and the guy is inspirational

  • @viviennebb9401
    @viviennebb9401 Před 2 lety +81

    It’s definitely clean alright. Just keep in mind, his sake wouldn’t have turned out successful if it has been contaminated with other bacteria. Making sake is a really sensitive process, hygiene and accuracy is the key.

  • @pochching9298
    @pochching9298 Před 2 lety

    The sweats gives it that distinct flavor!!

  • @AsianFoodNerd
    @AsianFoodNerd Před 2 lety +1

    That’s a look of someone finding his passion! 👍

  • @AnthonyRamosHiFiWiFi
    @AnthonyRamosHiFiWiFi Před 2 lety

    I really enjoyed this.

  • @octanerebuilds4942
    @octanerebuilds4942 Před 2 lety

    Amazing work

  • @gabe9120
    @gabe9120 Před 7 měsíci

    Theres only so much one man can do while brewing alone, and youve done it all!

  • @silentloud
    @silentloud Před 2 lety

    that was amazing!

  • @italy5153
    @italy5153 Před 2 lety +2

    Great job! 👍

  • @jasperhesterjr1134
    @jasperhesterjr1134 Před rokem

    Good information to know!!

  • @HowToCuisine
    @HowToCuisine Před 2 lety +3

    Looks so delicious 🤗😍

  • @LipovBog
    @LipovBog Před rokem

    Lovely!

  • @RussellStClair-cy1vu
    @RussellStClair-cy1vu Před 2 lety

    Love it ! " It's my job to learn !"

  • @MathWhiz_
    @MathWhiz_ Před 2 lety +2

    this process looks like the combination between a mad scientist and a chef

  • @LordGodfrey
    @LordGodfrey Před 2 lety +3

    I live only like an hour and half away. Should pick some up!

  • @lucasfrancobarroso8181
    @lucasfrancobarroso8181 Před 2 lety +1

    Ok, you got me. Now I really want to drink this sake

  • @user-gd8gl8jp8l
    @user-gd8gl8jp8l Před 3 měsíci

    Great job

  • @P1Gman
    @P1Gman Před 2 lety

    My dude has hard work shining on his face, lol. Well done, dude!

  • @Melo.maniak
    @Melo.maniak Před 2 lety

    Great video man.

  • @wagnerramirezlicoreroartes7435

    great job

  • @nicolaswalton2037
    @nicolaswalton2037 Před 2 lety

    great video!!!!!!! love that man !!

  • @mkllove
    @mkllove Před 2 lety +4

    Very impressed with your knowledge and dedication, but that makes sense since you were a homebrewer previously ! Interesting in that late stage where you let it settle for 2 weeks, couldn't you put it in your smaller corny style kegs and centrifuge it a bit, like one of those a kid's playground merry go rounds, or is that extra time altering things like a secondary fermentation does in bottles ?

  • @johnjones3332
    @johnjones3332 Před 2 lety +8

    damn went to order some and it's pick up only...gotta add to my list for L.A. it's only a 1 hour flight away for me. gonna get a couple bottles in the future.

  • @hazimreitz
    @hazimreitz Před 2 lety +1

    Literal heart and sweat in making the best, if this doesn't make you wanna buy his sake I don't know what kind you have at home bruh

  • @junbug1love
    @junbug1love Před 2 lety

    Very interesting process

  • @Socrates21stCentury
    @Socrates21stCentury Před 2 lety

    Nice job !!!

  • @hkbabel
    @hkbabel Před 2 lety

    Thank you

  • @kennethconnors5316
    @kennethconnors5316 Před 2 lety

    super interesting ,,outstanding video

  • @Behrnah
    @Behrnah Před 2 lety

    ok all of this is awesome! the passion, dedication and just the whole video making! Even the soundratcks and music in general. Where do you get it from??
    Much love

  • @Spandau-Filet
    @Spandau-Filet Před rokem +1

    Legend.

  • @DishBestServed
    @DishBestServed Před 2 lety

    Passion = Great Product

  • @gab.lab.martins
    @gab.lab.martins Před 2 lety +4

    I make my own shoyu & miso, and this is very recognisable, yet also very informative.

  • @ScottOrd
    @ScottOrd Před 2 lety

    Very cool!

  • @rawdogruben
    @rawdogruben Před 2 lety

    I’m gonna buy some now

  • @14kurtismiller
    @14kurtismiller Před 2 lety

    Dedicated and focused.

  • @MegaStamandster
    @MegaStamandster Před 2 lety +30

    Sweat?! What about all the wine people drink that's been mashed w bare feet?

  • @SSN70
    @SSN70 Před 2 lety

    Amazing 🍻⚡️

  • @Oculoustuos
    @Oculoustuos Před 2 lety

    Awesome

  • @matthewjay660
    @matthewjay660 Před 2 lety +12

    James, your exposé is bad ass! Texas is a very difficult state to which to ship alcohol. I wish that you could. 🍶 Kanpai! 🇯🇵-🇺🇸

  • @grandpadre8811
    @grandpadre8811 Před rokem

    James, Be careful inhaling the Koji spores. Great video and product!

  • @ESSBrew
    @ESSBrew Před 2 lety

    Setting Sun Sake been making premium Sake in San Diego since 2014. So Id say the title is a bit misleading =P THat being said, this is a great video.

  • @jenObu1
    @jenObu1 Před 4 měsíci

    Amazing..

  • @ShishKerBabS
    @ShishKerBabS Před 2 lety +2

    Never been a sake person but this video made me more interested in it.

  • @MartyD
    @MartyD Před 2 lety +3

    I wanna get into sake!

  • @Maddenfinesser00
    @Maddenfinesser00 Před 2 lety +82

    You guys are worried about sweat but let the FDA allow "a safe amount" of crushed bugs from processing into your everyday food lol 😂😂

    • @alkaliaurange
      @alkaliaurange Před 2 lety +12

      Shh don't tell them about chocolate...

    • @Maddenfinesser00
      @Maddenfinesser00 Před 2 lety +1

      @@alkaliaurange broke my heart when i found out

    • @maxxgrant5376
      @maxxgrant5376 Před 2 lety +3

      Right. The weed in Michigan is tested way harder than our food supply 😂😂

    • @Maddenfinesser00
      @Maddenfinesser00 Před 2 lety

      @@maxxgrant5376Lmaooo im in cali bro so I feel you

    • @KhanMann66
      @KhanMann66 Před 2 lety

      Bugs, mice, poop all add extra flavor.😂

  • @ShinwayX
    @ShinwayX Před 2 lety +2

    NGL, I love what happens to the timer at 2:29

  • @erikadowdy686
    @erikadowdy686 Před 2 lety

    Goid for him
    Great story

  • @matthewshaw3747
    @matthewshaw3747 Před 2 lety +14

    Everyone’s worried about the sweat. I am worried about him breathing in spores when inoculating the rice and handling the Koji.

    • @Thegiftthecurse
      @Thegiftthecurse Před 2 lety

      I was worried about both… I’m like no mask with those spores can’t be safe

    • @juannaym8488
      @juannaym8488 Před 2 lety

      Those spores are probably not dangerous. You constantly breathe in some spores and most just die inside of you without doing anything

    • @KhanMann66
      @KhanMann66 Před 2 lety +1

      It’s safe. You breathe in spores everyday.

  • @mikaellaldjee2851
    @mikaellaldjee2851 Před 2 lety

    BRAVO

  • @FPV_TOMMY
    @FPV_TOMMY Před 2 lety

    Respect hero

  • @PEST1776
    @PEST1776 Před rokem

    Respect

  • @mattblom3990
    @mattblom3990 Před rokem

    Some people talking about how "Jin" isn't a Japanese surname for a Sake maker. Best sake I ever had was "G" made in Cottage Grove, Oregon. $15 CAD per small bottle and well worth it. You can make artisinal goods without being from the original culture.

  • @RadDadisRad
    @RadDadisRad Před 2 lety +4

    Kegs of Sake? Where can I sign up?