The BSA Committee is excited to announce a special study group focusing on shochu and spirits distillation!
We are excited to invite David T. Smith, an International Wine & Spirits Challenge (IWSC) judge, independent spirits writer, historian, and consultant, to explore the science of distillation together.
What makes shochu unique? How is shochu distillation different from other spirits’ distillation? How are the cuts made for the heads and tails of a shochu distillate?
We will be sampling different distillates from sake-based shochu – heads, hearts, tails, and the blended finished product – as well as different types of shochu from Japan as a comparison. Marie Cheong-Thong, the President of BSA, will kindly be bringing the rare & premium ‘3M’ shochu – Maou, Murao, and Moriizo (魔王、村尾、森伊蔵) – to the study group!
No prior knowledge of shochu and spirits distillation is needed! Just a curious heart to learn more about Japanese spirits!
Join us at UKIYO Handroll Bar (so not our usual meeting spot at Vagabond Monument!!) – where we will indulge ourselves with amazing handrolls prepared by the UKIYO team.
Date: Monday, 29 June 2026
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Address: 8 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
(nearest stations: Leicester Square, Covent Garden)
Tickets: £45 for BSA Members, £55 for non-BSA members
David T Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant specialising in gin. He has authored a variety of drinks books including Gin Tonica, The Craft of Gin and, most recently, The Gin Dictionary, and has reviewed over 400 gins on his website, SummerFruitCup.com.
Smith is the chair judge for a number of international spirits competitions, and has consulted to create gins with distilleries across six continents. He was also the inaugural winner of the Think Gin Communicator of the Year.
Smith joined the IWSC judging team in 2013, focusing on gin, vodka, vermouth and liqueurs. He has been a Panel Chair since 2016.
Tickets are strictly limited, to ensure proper attention is paid to each sake kindly shared by Members.
*** If you have to cancel your booking after purchasing a ticket, we can offer a full refunded minus transaction fees up to 72 hours before the event start time, provided that we are able to resell your space to another member. Thank you for your understanding.
British Sake Association 英国日本酒協会 