Dear connoisseur

Over the last 11 years, we have come across many «bottles». But fortunately, our path also led us to the «good ones», to the «small fine ones»: From family businesses that brew with personality and attention to detail. Over generations and still handmade.
And these special breweries are now benevolently pouring us their treasures: «bottles» with an unmistakable, authentic flavour.

The new arrivals from Japan are here!
We're delighted - for you! So enjoy discovering our new treasures...

The Tsuki no Katsura Junmai
A complex, fresh and fruity-lively sake. Creamy on the palate and long-lasting on the finish. A versatile and palatable food pairing partner.

The Tsuki no Katsura Junmai Ginjo
A complex, floral, fresh, fruity and extremely lively sake. Creamy on the palate, long-lasting on the finish and with a pronounced acidity, a present, stimulating aperitif.

The Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 40
An elegant, powerful, fruity and creamy premium sake. Delicately bitter, with a slight sharpness in the finish, this Junmai Daiginjo conjures up a beautiful balance of intensity and elegance.

The Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 30 Limited
A very complex and tangy Genshu. Floral, fruity and nutty on the nose and full-bodied, fresh and herbaceous on the palate. A balanced and versatile food pairing partner.

The X3 Black
An intensely fruity-sweet Junmai with a subtle, slightly sweet spiciness. Fresh, lively and creamy soft on the palate, this sake is convincing on many levels and is ideal as a versatile food pairing partner.

15 November 2024

Which sake is the best?
'Purely a matter of taste', says Certified Sake Professional Marc Nydegger. 'For some, the pithy yeast note wins out, others enjoy the umami flavour and still others appreciate the complexity of the filigree.'

The «Junmai» Daiginjo, a class of its own...

Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo are the finest premium sake. They are produced by long-term fermentation at a low temperature, resulting in a very fine and delicate product.
Decisive criteria for the classification of sake are the rice polishing rate and the addition of brewing alcohol. The rice polishing rate of these top products is 50% or less - often as low as 35%.
The results are lively, very complex, well-rounded and balanced high-end sake - fascinating in their multi-layered flavour and simply specials in their own category.

° Junmai Daiginjo °

The Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 30 Limited is a very complex and tangy-spicy Genshu. Floral, fruity and nutty on the nose and full-bodied, fresh and herbaceous on the palate.

The Shirayuki Banzaimon, also a Genshu, is highly complex, delicate, fragrant and aromatic, with a beautiful, rounded flavour of cooked fruit.

The Kokuryu Nizaemon is a Koshu pressed using the extravagant Tobin-dori method. Fresh, crisp and tart on the nose, followed by a fruity, aromatic presence on the palate, with a slight spiciness and an almost creamy finish.

° Daiginjo °

The Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo is a truly lively sake. Amazingly complex, elegantly rounded and gently aromatic, with a concise bouquet, a fruity sharpness and a long aftertaste.

The matured Kuzuryu Daiginjo has a pleasantly soft and fruity flavour. As the drinking temperature increases, it becomes elegant and soft on the palate, an exciting sake from cold to warm, for a cosy, suitably velvety drinking sensation.

The Kokuryu Hachijuhachigo, pressed using the time-consuming Tobin-dori method, has a spicy and floral bouquet and a smooth, flavoursome and fruity palate. Very lively, with a pleasant acidity and a slightly bitter finish.

15 November 2024

WOW - 11 years shizuku - time is running out!
So keep up the pace, drop by drop...

🎈 11 years of shizuku - Arigato gozaimasu!

What's different today than 11 years ago?
'The gray hair,' laughs Founder & Managing Director Marc Nydegger (44).
'But as the saying goes, it's also a sign of wisdom...' he continues with a smile.
'And the cultural, culinary and human experiences I was able to have, try out and pack into my shizuku rucksack were indeed instructive, but above all beautiful!
After 11 years, I am very grateful for all this and am now looking forward to letting it sink in with you and a nice glass of sake...'

Let's join in, shall we? ;)

🎈 乾杯 - Kanpai dear connoisseurs!
The journey continues, thanks & with you, drop by drop...
Arigato gozaimasu!

18 October 2024

What is sake? How do I drink sake? What do I drink sake with?
We pour you the the truth... the true rice wine!

The tasty lesson with the kanpai
Drinking a good nihonshu from Japan is wonderful.
Understanding it, combining it skilfully and enjoying it together is priceless.

Sake expert Marc Nydegger will introduce you to the exciting profundity of the Japanese national drink, explain its history, the traditional sake production and drinking culture and invite you to taste the different varieties by carefully selected premium drops in a cozy atmosphere.

Because in 1O years shizuku so far, it has been this interest that has driven the Certified Sake Professional:
«The most beautiful thing for me personally was the noticeable curiosity & thirst for knowledge about Japan and its treasures. Our connoisseurs didn't just want to buy Japanese drinks, they wanted to understand them, which connected us from day one.
This shared passion and positive response encouraged me, drove me on and still does - drop by drop.»

Irasshaimase - At shizuku store you will find a piece of Japanese sense of life on more than 60 m2.
We look forward to welcoming you and inspiring you at the next shizuku sake lecture.

17 October 2024

When L'ITALIANO VERO & the Japanese art of brewing join forces, magic happens.
And this November, you can witness and enjoy this feast for senses...

Truffle & Sake Night | A feast for the senses
Bali Gyorgy loves truffles, Marc Nydegger loves sake. So it's no coincidence that the paths of these two gourmets crossed years ago. With Biagetti Tartufi and shizuku, you will soon be served the best of both worlds on this exclusive evening at Restaurant Metropol.

Let yourself be carried away into the world of umami by the exquisite aromas of precious truffles and the subtle elegance of finest sake. The menu promises a harmonious interplay of intensely earthy to unmistakably gentle notes. An exclusive 5-course meal that will spoil you from aperitif to dessert.

Click here for the menu.
Please note that there is no vegetarian option.
You are welcome to order your tickets today.

30 September 2024

Yes, let's melt the cheese again!

The Amstad Chäslädeli - known & loved for its fondue mixes and the wide range of different raclette cheeses - is ready to go. Various specialties, delicious wines and of course sake!

Raclette season opening with wine & sake tasting
There will be tasting, chatting and leisurely feasting!
shizuku is delighted to be part of this year's edition and to take this opportunity to pour you a selection of sake that goes perfectly with melted cheese - including the new Sake Fondue!((LINK))

Yes, that's right! We have ventured into the nationally popular cheese fondue, with international brewing art... And «Stöphi’s Hausmischung» with the drop of Japan will of course be available exclusively for tasting and purchase at the raclette season opening!

Say kanpai and cheese!
Drop by, join in the party and be pleasantly surprised by the harmony of sake and cheese...

28 September 2024

NO OLD CHEESE. Here comes the Swiss-Japanese fondue mix!
That's right, we're venturing into the nationally popular cheese fondue, with international brewing art...

Sake Fondue | «Stöphi’s Hausmischung» with the drop of Japan
As long-time connoisseurs, you will be familiar with this combo, as Marc & Stöphi have been combining good cheese with Japanese nihonshu for years.
Only one thing was still missing: the formula for the ready-made fondue house mix. And this is now conjured up, prepared & freshly vacuum-packed - ready for your caquelon!

«The cheese becomes cheesier»
Stephan Schaub - Co-Owner & Managing Director of Amstad Chäslädeli - knows his way around Swiss cheese. Years of experience mixed with a great sense of taste, a touch of innovation and a desire for new things are the result of his secret fondue recipes. 'We don't do things by halves when it comes to fondue. And this sake, it works,' says the cheese connoisseur with satisfaction. 'Our house mix gets a slightly sweet sake note, which I really like.'
And sake expert Marc Nydegger adds: 'Nihonshu has much less acidity than white wine and that's why we experience the melted cheese even more velvety: «The cheese becomes cheesier»'

So go ahead: fire up the rechaud, stir, done! Enjoy our first & unique sake fondue at home from now on.

Sake Fondue | Hausmischung ready to use (Cheese, Sake, Cornflour)
... CHF 49.00 / kg
... 2 persons, 600g, CHF 29.40 | 4 persons, 1200g, CHF 58.80
... available at shizuku Store, by pre-order via [email protected]
... available at Amstad Chäslädeli, by pre-order via [email protected]
... and of course at the raclette season opening on October 19th 24!

We are also happy to recommend suitable drops to accompany your sake fondue.
Kanpai!

28 September 2024

Dear connoisseur

Please sit back and enjoy at the same time an exciting taste journey through the versatile, impressive and lively world of the Japanese national drink. Accompany us!

When the postman rings four sakelicious times
With the shizuku sake subscription, you will receive four premium sake selected to match the season delivered directly to your home for one year at a time, along with exciting culinary suggestions from sake expert Marc Nydegger.

Since 2015, our group of adventurers has been growing from month to month. And the feedbacks not only make us overjoyed, but speak flatteringly for themselves...

'Sensational what great sake you offer. Green light, all of them were fantastic.'
Sake subscriber since 2016, on monthly subscription since 2019.

'A good opportunity to expand the horizon. Please renew both sake subscriptions for one year.'
Sake subscriber since 2021.

'It is always interesting to taste extraordinary drops. I would love to continue the virtual Japan trip with you and extend for another delicious Japanese year.'
Sake subscriber since 2016.

'Friends have told me about your sake subscription. They are thrilled - and so are we! It's a pleasure every time another package arrives. Selected with so much care and always presented coherently.'
Sake subscriber since 2021.

Arigato. A big thank you to our loyal community and a warm welcome to all the explorers who want to join us on our taste journey from mid-December.

The shizuku sake subscription, the perfect gift idea for yourself or your loved ones!

19 September 2024

Late summer is here, but that doesn't mean we have to miss out on enjoyment and refreshment!
Let's make the end of summer cool together - with chilled drops that invigorate your senses and pamper your palate with exciting flavours.

Kanpai dear connoisseurs with a late summer...

Gekkeikan Daiginjo | 10-15°C
Fresh and floral on the nose, this complex sake seduces the palate with a powerful explosion of flavour. At the same time mild, with a wonderful acidity - a tangy experience and a long-lasting finish. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish, for long, cozy summer evenings.

Iku's Shiro | 5-10°C
With a sweet lightness, this quaffable Junmai Daiginjo is reminiscent of juicy green apples, pears, vanilla pods, white chocolate & elderberries and, at only 9% by volume, is ideal as an aperitif or dessert wine. A light drop of Japan, which can be wonderfully served with fresh strawberries or honeydew melon in late summer...

Kozaemon Sakura Nama | 5-15°C
As the name nama suggests, this sake is only pasteurized once, which makes it particularly lively: fresh, fruity, yeasty to slightly spicy, with a medium body, a refreshingly cool back aroma and a long, creamy-soft finish - a versatile pairing partner.

Yatsushika Sparkling Niji | 5-10°C
'Let it sparkle' with this exemplary sparkling sake with natural bottle fermentation. A refreshing and fruity-sweet aperitif drink, slightly sparkling and at 8% by volume perfect for any sociable kanpai or for celebrating the end of summer in style.

31 August 2024

With great anticipation & big expectations of a hot, sunny and shiny weekend, we look forward to this Japanese ennichi (summer gathering) on the last weekend of summer vacation...

shizuku at «Natsu nandesu» 2024
The Japanese summer festival at Ooki Pavillon is already taking place for the fourth time & is pure fun! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere featuring traditional 'Taiko drumming' and 'Bon Odori' dance, performances, DJs as well as live music from Blues, Bossa to Jazz.
Find Japanese handmade crafts and selected design products, attractions and workshops and of course different festival delicacies - and beautiful sake!

Years of passion unite us, and enjoyment is our top priority. shizuku is ready for this summer party and looks forward to serving you and the loyal Ooki community the real Japan.

Join us for a unique experience of Japanese culture and festivities!
It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer together - with many smiley people... ;)

More information about this festival can be found here.

16 July 2024

The hot summer days attract to the hot grill.
Whether halloumi, cervelat, bratwurst, a hearty steak or a well-seasoned little fish - shizuku is happy to recommend the perfect companion to all barbecue lovers.

Fire away & kanpai - while quenching with a delicious glass of Japan!

The Umami Force
If the menu is tasty, this is your drop: Kozaemon Kimoto Junmai, simply a force in taste. Brewed according to the traditional kimoto method, this balanced sake convinces with its fresh and at the same time intense, sweet and spicy roast aromas and its very pleasant acidity - ideal with grilled meat and sausages.

The BBQ Junmai
Inatahime Ryokan surprises with a salty and leathery nose. Aromas of lime blossom and soja mixed with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg. A very round and intense Junmai, delightful for your barbecue.

The Tangy
Paprika, nutmeg, pine needles, olive tapenade as well as smoked ham and meat pastry in the nose and oily, resinous, smokey and spicy-fleshy in the palate. Goriki Junmai is an aromatic and powerful sake with lots of umami and the perfect match to a barbecue party.

The Complex
Brewed from red rice and three times the amount of koji, the X3 Rose convinces with elegance, a well-balanced intensity of taste, combined with a delicate sweetness as well as a beautiful, light acidity until the long lasting finish. Aromatic, wonderfully inspiring, a class of its own.

The Adventure
Kozaemon Yamahai Junmai is a veritable taste expedition! With its intense and earthy flavours and also a lot of umami a sensational sake to hearty dishes. If it is a 'Bündner Gerstensuppe' with bacon in winter, it has to be a T-Bone steak or a juicy sausage now.

Heat up properly and treat yourself to this culinary delight.

We are also happy to recommend our sake food blog Meikel's kitchen and make you thirsty with further ideas and suggestions.

12 July 2024

Every 2 years we look forward to Wil. Uniting cultures - shizuku is happy to be on board!
And this event at Lokremise Wil has always been a joyful occasion for years. So let's revive the joy once again!

shizuku at Wiler Japanfest 2024
Away from cultural impressions, Japan will seduce your senses again and again. In addition to Japanese specialties and products, various workshops and performances, the Wiler Japanfest would like to cultivate and deepen the friendly relationship between Japanese and Swiss as well as all other nationalities and promote cultural exchange.

Connecting - shizuku is in!
Combine too! Experience Japan from all sides and explore the Land of the Rising Sun in a new way. And taste a wide selection of traditional Japanese delicacies and enjoy a glass of sake from shizuku's premium range.

Japan total - we are looking forward to your visit!
More infos on this event are to be found here.

11 July 2024

On the go, a cool fizz with a beer, of course.
With a lively Craft Beer after Japanese brewing art - that has character!

The sun rises with the Rising Sun Pale Ale!
'We define character as the interplay of balance and complexity. The more character a beer exudes, the more capable it’s of making us happy', say the artists at Baird Brewing Company. Honest, natural and unpretentious.

The Rising Sun Pale Ale: Strong, lively, with refreshing citrus hop character - available again!
Cheer with us & kanpai!

11 July 2024

In September, the city of Bellinzona will once again become a real corner of Japan...
With lively tradition & modernity as well as authentic gastronomy & activities that will leave you speechless.
Because the Japan Matsuri has been the Japanese festival of Italian-speaking Switzerland not only since its 10th anniversary in 2023, but is meanwhile the largest event dedicated to Japanese culture in Switzerland.

shizuku at JAPAN MATSURI 2024
With great anticipation, shizuku is packing its sake suitcases again and is looking forward to luring you to Ticino for a sunny weekend. With around 12,000 visitors, the popular Japan Festival is getting ready for another unforgettable edition.

Besides live music, workshops, exhibitions or the impressive cosplay contest, you can also expect a gastronomic experience - of course with «a drop of Japan»!
Taste the multi-faceted national drink nihonshu and discover other exciting drops or cocktails for your Japan moment (including direct sales).

So let's head south for a kanpai!
Spend an unforgettable weekend with us in a world full of beauty, fascination & tradition and experience the magic of the Land of the Rising Sun - in the 'Sonnenstube' of Switzerland.

More information about this festival can be found here.

10 July 2024

Salty, sweet & crispy!
The snack piles up with hearty flavours, dropped by Japan...

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - Snack break with sake

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: We lay it on thick - on a pretzel - with a selfmade sausage spread made from Ticino luganighe, spicy farmer's pork & bacon, mixed with cream cheese. Onions, pickles and apple slices provide the necessary refinement.
Crowned with the tasty, crispy sausage crumble. And if you like, top it all off with a little mustard - that's it.
Aside: The Inatahime Ryokan, a round, intense and rather dry Junmai. With a salty and leathery nose this drop surprises with playful aromas of lime blossom and soja mixed with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg.

Culinary conclusion: 'The idea was to create my own sausage spread. It ended up with a really massive snack - you've more than eaten!' laughs Meikel. 'The perfect strengthening after an active day outdoors, easy to prepare but with lots of flavour. Salty, sweet & crispy, creamy & fresh at the same time. At a summery room temperature the harmonious and soft Ryokan punches with style. I would say: experiment a success. You have to give it to you!'

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

23 June 2024

Dear connoisseur

Sake brewmasters are artists. Each product contains years of dedication, centuries of tradition, inspiration & innovation as well as a very personal touch.
However, the true gems that showcase the incomparable craft skills of each master brewer are rarely seen, even in Japan. And that is our keyword!

Tobin-dori | Limited + exclusively available
shizuku is proud to make this work of art available to you in a few limited bottles and to make this drinking experience possible for you. Next level!

Tobin-dori (also known as shizuku-dori or shizuku pressing) is the most extravagant pressing method and demonstrates the true craft skills of every master brewer.
The fermented mash is hung in cotton bags so that the sake can drain gently and carefully into 18-liter glass bottles (tobin) by its own gravity and natural dripping.
This method is very time-consuming, the yield is very low, the result in the glass all the more impressive: refined, silky smooth in texture and extremely delicate in aroma.

The Kokuryu Hachijuhachigo as well as the matured Kokuryu Nizaemon are also produced exclusively and in very small batches year after year. Nihonshu, which you will rarely discover in Switzerland.

These two rarities from the Kokuryu brewery are now on their way and will be available from mid-July. And if you wish, we will be happy to take your pre-order today via [email protected].

22 June 2024

*** This tournament is fully booked ***

It was unique twice. So let's swarm again & play golf!

«shizuku – with a stroke of Japan» PART III
Spectacular balls, lots of passion and an unmistakable atmosphere!
On the Klosters golf course, nestled in the idyllic landscape of Klosters/Selfranga, we have already hosted the shizuku golf tournament twice.
And the simple idea of enjoying leisure time with friends has resulted in an unbeatable day of golf with an indispensable enjoyment factor.
So of course, nothing stands in the way of a 3rd round. The course is reserved, who will be there this year?

2024 will be played a non-handicap 18-hole tournament among connoisseurs: a 2 player scramble with a spectacular view of the mountains.

As in previous years, Teehütte-Selfranga host Stefan treats us to a sporty and enjoyable golf food kit for the tournament and welcomes us to dinner afterwards.

Golf with a pleasure factor, shizuku style!
The anticipation is once again huge - also among the players who took part in the first two tournaments and have already made a note of the date in their diaries.
And if you too would like to enjoy this fun, reserve your place in a scramble team.

1 June 2024

There are events that have been set every year.
That's why shizuku is all the more pleased to welcome & inspire you again at this year's Japan Bazar in Worb!
And the summery drops are already chilled for you...

Stroll & enjoy the Japanese way
Small, but extra-fine. This is how the Japan Bazar in Worb can be described. In addition to various booths with numerous delicacies, performances & workshops, we are pleased to be able to spoil you again this year with the finest drops of the Japanese national drink sake as well as fruity liqueurs.

Stroll through the centrally located Bärensaal on Sunday afternoon, let yourself be infected by the sociable attitude towards life and discover the surprising variety of aromas of Japanese drops of the highest quality.

shizuku is happy to welcoming, advising and inspiring you again - for a hopefully perfect sake summer (including direct sales).

6 April 2024

A trip to the local breweries across the island nation, visiting the sake paradise of Japan.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists brew for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
Do you like it dry (karakuchi) & strong? Then a visit to Kiku Masamume in Kobe/Hyogo is just right for you. Brewed according to the traditional kimoto method, their products impress with pure taste and a fresh, clear finish.
The brewery pays great attention to the sake pairing and skillfully produces complex, strong nihonshu, which are ideal as food companions - or even cut a tasty figure in the pan...

• The Miyabi | An intense Tokubetsu Junmai (Kimoto), reminiscent of stone fruit brandy
• The Kiku Masamune Taru Sake | Shortly ripened in wooden barrels (Yoshino cedar), a tangy-fresh Junmai
• The Kimoto Junmai | A high-quality cooking sake for even more umami in the pan.

'As a sake and food pairing fan, I am proud to work with artists such as Kiku Masamune brewery. Famous for their dry and mostly intense sake (kimoto), their nihonshu are amazing food companions… 🥢‘, Marc Nydegger.

Drops that impress with their pure taste and a fresh, clear finish. An experience - kanpai!

5 April 2024

Our Japanese liqueurs are a palate-filling surprise - in aroma, in intensity and in their variety of exciting combination possibilities.
Whether minty, bitter, sweet or refreshingly sour: When the sakura is in bloom, we are also happy to inspire you with light spring drops...

Japanese spring in all its glory!
As with their artistic dishes, the Japanese also focus on an authentic, present and flavourful drinking experiences - colorful, fruity and sometimes surprisingly light.

Minty in pink
The Aka Shiso looks extremely sweet because of its intense pink color, but surprises naturally minty, refreshingly fruity and only slightly sweet. This shiso liqueur - with notes of dark berries, cassis, anise and liquorice - is really fresh and light (8% Vol.), a quaffable aperitif drink.

Cloudy & fruity
The Kyo Yuzu Nigori is a light Junmai Nigori with hand pressed yuzu juice. A refreshing aperitif drink, with a low alcohol content (7% Vol.) and a long-lasting finish. Pleasantly fruity on the nose and fresh and sweet-sourish on the palate.

Racy, complex & sweet
The step up for yuzu lovers is called kabosu. The Kabosu no Susume is a light (4.5% Vol.), fruity and sweet Junmai with hand pressed kabosu juice. With its refreshing taste of citrus fruit and the sourish-bitter finish also a perfect Japanese fruit liqueur.

Strong & tangy
Not light but strong in taste, the Ohako Umeshu is convincing really sweet and with a complex, tangy note. This plum liqueur made from Gojiro plums - on a sesame-shochu base - is strongly reminiscent of marzipan and amaretto and is just perfect enjoyed pure or on ice as a dessert drop or as an excellent cheese companion.

... or skillfully mixed!
Pure, on the rocks or also exciting mixed in a cocktail: Whether a quaffable KABOSU SOUR, a pink SHISO SPRITZ or a racy KABOSUJITO - Enjoy colorful, fruity & quaffable - Japanese Style. Kanpai!

5 April 2024

Fancy for gyoza, udon, taiyaki, matcha delicacies and SAKE?
Then we'll see you in Zug...

shizuku & YamaSake at the Japan Food Fest
In April, the Japan Food Fest returns to Zug for the third time, delighting food lovers and Japan enthusiasts alike.
On this springtime journey through Japanese cuisine and culture, you will discover a wonderful selection of Japanese specialties and products at over 20 stands, various activities such as the Spicy Ramen Eating Contest as well as workshops and live music.

Together for one kanpai!
And because food also makes you thirsty, you will be spoiled twice this year!
YamaSake will be presenting its own sake brewed in Switzerland & shizuku is looking forward to pouring you a fine selection of premium nihonshu from Japan.
Together for one kanpai - with the art of brewing from Japan & Switzerland.

More information about this event can be found here.

26 March 2024

A trip to the local breweries across the island nation, visiting the sake paradise of Japan.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists brew for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
Nestled between snow-capped peaks and the Sea of Japan, Kokuryu brews only the highest quality sake, made in small batches & by hand.
Their water springs as snow in the high altitudes of the Hakusan Mountains and they polish only the finest rice varieties, including the prized Yamadanishiki rice from the Tojo region of Hyogo Prefecture and Gohyakumangoku rice from Fukui itself.
Inspired by the methods of wine maturation in France, which they also apply to sake, they have created drops that are characterized by an elegant taste and a silky feel.
And their elegant, artistic bottle labels are particularly eye-catching.

SAKE in Ori, silk and velvet...
• The Kuzuryu Daiginjo | Wrapped in black velvet, this matured sake expresses elegance, luxury & warmth.
• The Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo | Complex, elegant & gently aromatic, with a concise bouquet, a jewel of a sake.
• The Kokuryu Jungin | Fresh & lively, at the same time intensely flavorful, dynamic & mysterious - a beautiful all-rounder.
• The Kuzuryu Ippin | Elegant, slightly sweet, fruity and versatile - an exciting food companion.
• The Kokuryu Gin no Tobira | An aromatic Daiginjo in mini format (150ml), fresh & elegantly mineral.

‚Grateful to finally meeting you on site and diving deeper into the very unique brewing steps. Hand-crafted and absolutely outstanding nihonshu from highest quality. Produced in small batches. Just very thankful to be part of THE KOKURYU EXPERIENCE‘, Marc Nydegger.

True art for the eye & the palate. Elegant taste, silky drinking experience. Next level.

23 March 2024

A trip to the local breweries across the island nation, visiting the sake paradise of Japan.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists brew for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
Our journey took us to Fushimi (Kyoto). Founded in 1675 and therefore one of the oldest breweries in the region, the Masuda Tokubee Brewery is particularly famous throughout the country for its Nigorizake.
Elegance and relish are the order of the day. And so the sake is brewed and enjoyed here with sensitivity and style...

... as the Asahimai Junmai | A velvety, full-bodied premium sake made from organic rice, which has been with us & inspiring us since the first import 1O years ago! Smooth, subtly aromatic, with a fresh acidity and a lingering aftertaste.

‚Impressive 350 years of history - family driven by their heart and soul. Tsuki no Katsura create such unique and exclusive sake, which I am honoured to represent in Switzerland‘, Marc Nydegger.

You too can enjoy sake with this elegance and sensitivity, just as we have been doing with pleasure for 1O years now...

16 March 2024

A trip to the local breweries & distilleries across the island nation.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists produce for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
In Fukuoka Prefecture, Beniotome literally opened its treasure chest and treated us to a shochu & umeshu tasting - with history...
Founder Haruno Hayashida set herself a goal around 300 years ago, when shochu was still labeled as a cheap alcoholic beverage: To produce fine distillates with passion.
The result was a new type of sesame-based spirit, sesame shochu.
At the foot of the Mino Mountains, the distilled shochu are stored in clay vessels, steel tanks or French oak barrels and matured for several years, whereby the taste of cognac or brandy can be found in the end product, depending on the type of maturation.

• The Beniotome Gold | Matured for 8 years, smooth yet strong, the king of sesame shochu.
• The Beniotome Maru | A mild and elegant sesame shochu, subtle in taste.
• The Toki no Choetsu Superiore | Matured for 1O years, a sweetish, very well-rounded barley shochu, ideal for whisky and rum lovers.
• The Ohako Umeshu | An excellent plum liqueur, strong & sweet, with a complex, tangy note and our favorite for over 1O years!

‚Beniotome focuses on sesame shochu, which is unique in Japan & around the world. shizuku is very proud to distribute these special drops. Also the Umeshu is based on sesame shochu…: Outstanding, extravagant in flavour & much appreciated by our connoisseurs in Switzerland. Many thanks for 1O years of good partnership 🙏🏼‘, Marc Nydegger.

Enjoy these fine distillates and the unique Umeshu.

9 March 2024

With the blooming of sakura, the Japanese cherry trees, also one of the most beautiful traditions of Japan awakens. During hanami, the beauty, preciousness and transience of life is celebrated - together & open air, at numerous social festivities, in the middle of the beautiful sea of blossoms...

The MINIS for your cherry blossom picnic
Spring is also sprouting here, bud by bud. And to make your cherry blossom festival authentically Japanese, we are happy to recommend our MINIS - for your big appearance at the hanami picnic.

Kokuryu Gin no Tobira
Light, fruity, somewhat exotic and at the same time aromatic, this Daiginjo is directly reminiscent of a Riesling. Fresh and elegantly mineral, a quaffable, beautifully balanced drop that is one of the greats in mini format.

Gekkeikan Daiginjo mini
Fresh and floral on the nose, this complex sake seduces the palate with a powerful explosion of flavor. Fresh, with a wonderful acidity - a tangy experience and long lasting finish.

Daiginjo Hiyashibori mini
This multilayered and powerful premium sake spoils with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweetish and at the same time tangy notes and reminds of forest and black chocolate.

Goriki Junmai Ginjo mini
A breeze of lilac, fruity as well as bitter-sweet and exotically tangy. This lively, racy and expressive Junmai Ginjo surprises with a present acidity as well as a velvety melt.

Goriki Nigori mini
Fruity-sweet and slightly bitter, this milky, unfiltered Junmai Ginjo is a refreshing aperitif and, for lovers of nigoris, an exciting accompaniment to spicy foods from the picnic grill.

Cup Sake Yuki Otoko
Kanpai with this round, powdery, fresh as well as vivid Junmai. Rather sweet, creamy, spicy-bitter and with a long finish the perfect all-rounder in a practical drinking glass for enjoyment on the go.

9 March 2024

A trip to the local breweries across the island nation, visiting the sake paradise of Japan.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists brew for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
Our trip also took us to a kon'nichiwa at Shotoku's 'Boutique Brewery' in Kyoto. With their impressive 380 years of experience, the small, friendly team brews exciting, authentic products without any additives, but of consistent and high quality.

Fitting for the spring awakening and refreshingly authentic!
• The Karaku Amakuchi | An elegant, lively, fruity-sweetish Junmai Ginjo with a balanced acidity.
• The Kyo Yuzu Nigori | A light, sweet-sourish Junmai Nigori with hand-pressed yuzu juice.

‘It‘s a big pleasure and honor to spread Japan‘s original sake made only from rice and koji (Junmai) from Shotoku to our customers in Switzerland. Natural rich flavours from Kimura family. Many thanks for having me at ‘your home’! Marc Nydegger.

We wish you an authentic kanpai with the drops from Fushimi/Kyoto.

2 March 2024

Love at first bite...
And from March 19 in limited edition available again!

Lovers had to or were allowed to wait. But the Löw Delights chocolate factory is working its magic again in time for Easter - with love for the detail...

pralumé - the handmade praline with umeshu
Whether with your coffee, as a dessert or as a sweet, fruity delicacy in between: The pralumé always fits.
Sweeten your day with our fresh, irresistible own creation, handmade by the two confectionery ladies Fabia and Laura from Löw Delights - known for their 'Löwenküsse'.

The sweet temptation - with a drop of Japan
A couverture of crisp, dark Swiss gourmet chocolate, filled with a crunchy almond paste filling, peppered with pickled Gojiro plums and the fruity-sweet Ohako Umeshu.

The pralumé by shizuku - the praline with umeshu, available again in limited edition from March 19, online and at shizuku Store.

Reserve your irresistible box soon and surprise your guests in a sweet way.
We are happy to accept your pre-order already today.

1 March 2024

It will soon be that time again and hanami will be celebrated in Japan - a festival whose name literally translates as «looking at blossoms».
For around two weeks, people eat, drink and celebrate the beauty and transience of life together with friends, family and colleagues under the blossoming cherry trees.

HANAMI CITY - The picnic under Zurich's cherry trees
As spring awakens, Zurich's more than 1000 Japanese cherry trees begin to blossom - and a beautiful activity blossoms with them!

The Harubaru Copy Club - an association that explores the diversity of Japanese cuisine through various events and projects - has mapped out all the Japanese cherry trees in the city of Zurich on an online, interactive Zurich Hanami Map in 2021. This helps you find the perfect spot for your personal hanami picnic.

And in keeping with this, the makers of HANAMI CITY are preparing plump Bentō boxes for you again this year, which can be picked up from April 4 to 13, 2024.
Back again, of course, is shizuku's small Cup Sake Yuki Otoko - a round, powdery, fresh as well as vivid Junmai for on-the-go enjoyment.

Be on time!
The picnic boxes are produced only on pre-order and in limited numbers. Order deadline is on Monday, March 25, 2024!

1 March 2024

Monocle was launched in 2007 as a magazine and digital venture in London and today has headquarters, bureaux, shops and radio studios in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Toronto, Tokyo and Zurich.

At the Monocle Shop & Café in Zurich, you'll find combined everything that’s best about Monocle. While the editors report on global affairs, business, culture or design, you are invited for a coffee or an aperitif on the terrace, you can browse through the shop or keep up to date with a hand-picked selection of newspapers & magazines.
And soon there will be a celebration again and you are invited...

shizuku at Monocle's Hanami Market
To coincide with the start of the cherry blossom season, Monocle is once again organizing a small, fine Japanese market this year.
Stop by and enjoy a selection of Japanese food & drinks as well as various market stalls of selected Japanese brands.
shizuku is also invited to this beautiful spring happening again and is happy to treat you this Saturday with a lively & fruity-fresh tasting of premium sake and Japanese liqueurs (including direct sales).

We are looking forward to your visit!

1 March 2024

A trip to the local breweries across the island nation, visiting the sake paradise of Japan.

We are happy to share our shizuku no nikki (= diary) drop by drop with you, with recommendations on the respective treasures that the artists brew for you with tradition, pride and passion...

雫の日記 | shizuku no nikki 🇯🇵
We start with a visit to Nakashima in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture.
The small family brewery has been brewing incredibly sophisticated and high-quality sake for over 300 years - an art that you can recognize and enjoy in these drops.

HANDCRAFTED SAKE TO ITS FULLEST!
• The Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi | A full-bodied & velvety Junmai Daiginjo
• The Kozaemon Kimoto Junmai | Aromatic & flavorful a stunner
• The Kozaemon Yamahai Junmai | A taste expedition thanks to lots of umami
• The Kozaemon Sakura Nama | Uniquely pasteurized especially fresh & lively
• The Kabosu no Susume | The light, fruity Junmai with hand-pressed Kabosu juice

‚I am very happy to be part of the Kozaemon family. Introduced to me through a good friend from highschool time in Nagoya I am proud to bring the joy of these unique nihonshu to my connoisseurs in Switzerland 🙏🏼‘, Marc Nydegger.

Discover these works of art from Mizunami/Gifu and enjoy your kanpai!

24 February 2024

«It just fits, it fits with the cheese»

Marc Nydegger from shizuku & Stephan Schaub from Amstad Chäslädeli found each other early on. Because when it fits, it fits.
'Stöphi' was skeptical for a second ;) What does Marc want? A sake and cheese pairing?
Open as he is, a nice & long lasting partnership was born immediately. And Marc has been combining Stephan's cheeses with sake at events ever since...

Umami is the secret!
The close collaboration with the neighborhood store Amstad Chäs­lä­de­li has resulted in exciting combinations that can be enjoyed at the cozy shizuku sake-cheese pairing - in a small, fine setting.

«I want the Swiss to drink sake with their cheese platter, cheese fondue or raclette.»
Marc made this statement years ago. At the time, the young entrepreneur was - understandably - ridiculed. Today he smiles. Because his customers now explicitly ask for the 'fondue sake' or the 'Sake Raclette'.

Discover this exciting pairing, taste various premium wines from Japan together with exquisite cheeses and be pleasantly surprised by this outstanding combination.
Small but nice, your tasting event in a personal setting.

At shizuku Store you will find a piece of Japanese sense of life on over 60 m2. We look forward to welcoming and delighting you at the next shizuku sake cheese pairing.

1 February 2024

It will be that time again in a month.
And like us, Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Japan, just a little differently...

Sweets for Valentine's Day & White Day
While in Switzerland it is mainly the ladies who are spoiled with flowers, jewelry or romantic dates, on February 14, Japanese women traditionally give their husbands as well as their male acquaintances and work colleagues chocolates and pralines, especially handmade ones.
The men only become active a month later and return their affection on Japanese White Day - the 'answer day' - generously and traditionally symbolically with white chocolate.

The sweet drops for the moment for two
So sweet for both of them. And as we are more than spoiled by the quality of Swiss chocolate, shizuku likes to surprise you with lovely drop recommendations for your shared moment of pleasure that are not just reminiscent of chocolate. Happy Valentine's Day...

... with a beautiful cocoa note of Daiginjo Hiyashibori
This strong premium sake pampers with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweet and tangy notes and is reminiscent of forest and black chocolate.

... with the pleasant sweetness of Shirayuki Akafuji
This accessible Junmai enchants with lovely notes of white chocolate, caramel and vanilla, combined with a little citrus fruit and a rather dry finish.

... with a fruity elegance from The Shunnouten
This elegant & fresh premium sake is creamy, smooth & round on the palate. With a crisp & pure umami flavour, a nice, drinkable Junmai Daiginjo, even for sake beginners.

... with a sweet lightness from Iku's Shiro
This well going Junmai Daiginjo is reminiscent of juicy green apples, pears, vanilla pods, white chocolate & elderberry and, at just 9% by volume, is ideal as an aperitif or dessert wine.

... with the sweet digéstif Shirayuki Edo Genroku
Fermented in wooden barrels (taru), this strong and flattering Junmai surprises with its salty nose and sweet palate. Complex & multi-layered, with a long, salty-sweet veil - the perfect dessert.

14 January 2024

When it smells exotic in winter & the colors glow in the dark, he's at work...

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - Kanpai to the EXOTIC NIGHT!

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A juicy fried parrotfish, served with an exotic-fruity, warm carrot-pepperoni-persimmon-sauce. On top some fresh jalapeños, crunchy pepperoni cubes and sage butter - that's it.
Aside: The accessible Shirayuki Akafuji. With notes of white chocolate, caramel & vanilla, combined with a little citrus fruit, this round and sweetish Junmai delights from the refreshing nose to the rather dry finish.

Culinary conclusion: 'Close your eyes, open your mouth and taste a touch of Asia. That's exactly what happens here', enthuses Meikel. 'From the firm, juicy fish to the honeyed sweetness of the Asian persimmon plum to the fresh sage and a light, exciting spiciness, everything is included.
And the Akafuji in the sake glass is once again flattering and complements the exotic-fruity moment beautifully. A wonderful, colorful and tasty dish - with a welcome exotic touch.'

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

5 January 2024

In winter, we raise the temperature and pour a heart-warming drink!

Because drinking a nihonshu warmed up and discovering the resulting aromas and flavours anew is not only fun, but also warms the sake heart. We are happy to recommend different drops, which offer an enjoyable experience from cool to room temperature to hot. Let's warm up...

The Inatahime Ryokan | Round from 10-50°C
Slightly salty, even leathery on the nose, this rather dry sake surprises with aromas of lime blossom, soja, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg. And this true classic scores especially with hearty & cheesy dishes such as fondue & raclette.

The Asahimai Junmai| Smooth from 10-50°C
This velvety, full-bodied Junmai will flatter any sake fan. Smooth, with a sweet note and long-lasting finish, this premium sake made from organic rice delights subtly aromatic, with a fresh, minty acidity.

The Kuzuryu Ippin | Crisp and spicy from 10-45°C
Slightly sweet, fruity and with a soft texture, this elegant nihonshu crisp-spicy delights on the palate and, with its fair amount of umami, is also an exciting pairing partner to autumnal, more flavourful dishes.

The Goriki Junmai| Powerfully aromatic from 15-50°C
Tangy, oily, smoky and with lots of umami you will be spoiled with this exciting food companion. Intense notes of paprika, olive tapenade and smoked ham make this sake an aromatic experience even at room temperature.

The Kozaemon Yamahai Junmai| Taste expedition from 10-45°C
Brewed according to the traditional yamahai method, this nihonshu convinces with intense, earthy flavours and makes literally sake hungry. For from cheesy to floral to aromatic-fiery, this drop offers a truly veritable adventure...

The Miyabi | Strong sake art from 15-45°C
This intense Tokubetsu Junmai - brewed according to the traditional kimoto method - is quickly reminiscent of a stone fruit brandy. Earthy, dry and pleasantly sweet on the palate, this Japanese drop is an exciting food companion to meat dishes and your upcoming raclette.

1 January 2024

Turn on the Öfeli and melt away...
Enjoy the Swiss raclette fun dropped by Japan.

The Sake Raclette - 'The best raclette ever'
Sake-food pairings are our passion. But the feedback - since the launch (in June 2020) - always makes us melt too!

'Oooh, that was huge!!! Me and my friends are huge fans of this Sake Raclette!'

'An experience. The cheese as such is already very fine, melts very nicely and without excessive fat leakage. A super idea very well implemented.'

'Very delicious. Round, fine, a sweetish note. So good that it really doesn't need any spices or anything. Of all the raclette creations one of the most exciting and finest. A nice addition to any assorted cheese plate.'

Swiss raclette refined with Japanese rice wine
Together with Käserei Camenzind we have continued to develope...
The raclette cheese has been matured for several months and soaked in a strong, intensive Junmai - brewed according to the traditional kimoto method - and literally refined.
The result is an incredibly mild, slightly sweet raclette cheese with a wonderful umami note.

So enjoy with us! Please place your order today because 'it has while it lasts'
... CHF 43.00 / kg
... Portions approx. 400g - 500g, vacuum-packed
... Available at shizuku Store or by e-mail to [email protected]
... Available at Amstad Chäslädeli (besides over 30 other raclette varieties)

And discover our delicious sake recommendations as the ideal accompaniment right away.
Good appetite & kanpai!

1 January 2024