Sake x Shochu: Koji and Fermentation Magic

Join us for International Shochu & Awamori day at Tano Spirits on Sunday, 1 November 2026 for a relaxed, flavour-packed afternoon exploring Japan's legendary koji traditions, side by side.

Beginning with a refreshing Yuzushu highball on arrival, guests will be treated to a guided masterclass presented by two industry leaders. Tano head distiller Fletcher Anderson will reveal how honkaku shochu, awamori, and sake differ in their fermentation and distillation, exploring grain selection, single-pot distillation, and the distinct roles of white, yellow, and black koji cultures. Then, SSA Certified Sake Sommelier Educator Kana Aoyama (Sake Journey) will lead a deep dive into the world of sake, guiding you through tasting methodology, aroma profiles, texture, and regional nuances.

Throughout the afternoon, you will sip your way through a curated six-pour flight featuring three artisan sakes selected by Kana and three craft shochu expressions from Tano Spirits.

Next comes the pairing workshop: taste rich French Comté and brie alongside small dishes of shio koji, fermented miso, and aged soy sauce. Dip, sip, and contrast to discover how umami and salt alter the personality of both cheese and drink.

This event also marks the official release of two exclusive Tano spirits: our Northcote-crafted Awamori (made from 100% Indica jasmine rice and black koji) and Imocha (a limited-edition sweet potato and green tea shochu blend).

Your Ticket Includes:

• Welcome Yuzushu highball on arrival

• Guided tasting paddle with 3 artisan sakes and 3 Tano craft shochu

• Exclusive preview tastes of Tano's brand new Awamori and Imocha releases

• Interactive French cheese, shio koji, miso, and soy sauce pairing experience

• Expert presentations and Q&A with Fletcher Anderson and Kana Aoyama

• Optional add-on: 3-pour reserve shochu flight available on the day

Note: Seated capacity is strictly limited. The pairing contains dairy, soy, gluten, and seafood; please note any dietary requirements during checkout.

Kana Aoyama (Founder, Sake Journey)

Kana Aoyama is a Melbourne-based SSA Certified Sake Sommelier Educator and the founder of Sake Journey, a platform dedicated to demystifying Japanese sake through education, curated tastings, hospitality consulting, and cultural collaborations. With over a decade of experience across fine dining and premium hospitality in Japan and Australia, Kana is a leading authority on sake curation, service, and food pairing. She acts as an educator, industry consultant, and international sake judge, championing sake as a dynamic cultural bridge connecting food, craft, and community.

About Sake Journey

Sake Journey is an independent educational and events platform founded by Kana Aoyama, sharing Japanese craft sake through interactive masterclasses, multi-course dining experiences, and bespoke collaborations with artisan venues, breweries, and creatives across Australia.

Fletcher Anderson (Head Distiller & Co-Founder, Tano Spirits)

Fletcher Anderson is the co-founder and head distiller of Tano Spirits. Specialising in traditional honkaku shochu and awamori distillation, as well as scaled Korean sool brewing, Fletcher oversees Tano's on-site microflora propagation and fermentation production. Outside the distillery, Fletcher has been an influential figure in Australia's creative landscape as designer toy creator and street artist Facter since 1990, co-founding Melbourne's This Is Not A Toy Store and directing/editing street art publication Invurt for more than a decade. He brings that same creative, hands-on, artisan philosophy to every ferment at Tano.