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.

March 23, 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...

March 16, 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.

March 9, 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.

March 9, 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.

March 2, 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.

March 1, 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!

March 1, 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!

March 1, 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!

February 24, 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.

January 14, 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'.

January 5, 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.

January 1, 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 info@shizuku.ch
... 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!

January 1, 2024

Dear connoisseur

Just a quick check: Is your wine cooler well stocked with your favorites, so that it lacks nothing during the cozy Christmas holidays?
The shizuku team is looking forward to welcoming you and advising you personally during the last days at shizuku Store.

Current opening hours
Tuesdays, 12.30pm – 6.30pm or by individual appointment

Christmas shopping
Tuesday, December 19 - Thursday, December 21, 2023, 12.30pm – 6.30pm

shizuku Store Christmas holidays
Kindly note that shizuku Store will be closed from December 22, 2023 to and including January 8, 2024.
Products ordered online can be picked up at shizuku Store with the option pickup at shizuku Store until Thursday, December 21, 2023 (6.30pm).

Online orders
Kindly note that there is no shipment between December 22, 2023 and January 2, 2024.
Products ordered online by Tuesday, December 19, 2023 will be under your Christmas tree in time.

Merry kanpai and happy holidays!

December 9, 2023

Of course we do - for 1O years!
If we are invited, we always bring a nice bottle of sake with us. But which drop do you choose when you want to bring something new, something special, something flavourful that everyone will enjoy?

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
shizuku is pleased to recommend to you & your hosts a fine selection of nihonshu, all of which are enjoyable and accessible to sake novices. Guaranteed to be a great conversation piece...

... with soft elegance
Translated as 'The chirping of the nightingale announcing spring', The Shunnouten will win over connoisseurs and the curious alike. An elegant & fresh Junmai Daiginjo, whose fruity flavours evoke springtime feelings - at any time of year. Creamy, smooth & round on the palate, with a crisp & pure umami flavour, a nice, drinkable aperitif even for sake beginners.

... with crisp freshness
Fresh and flowery on the nose, Gekkeikan Daiginjo is reminiscent of white tulips and lime blossom as well as green apples and lychee. The palate surprises with a powerful yet mild explosion of flavour. With its wonderful acidity and long-lasting finish, this sake offers a tangy experience - even in mini size.

... with velvety warmth
The Asahimai Junmai has been with us since the first import, because this velvety, full-bodied Junmai flatters every sake fan. Smooth, with a sweet note and a long-lasting finish, this premium sake made from organic rice is subtly aromatic and has a fresh, minty acidity from cool to hot and is also known among connoisseurs as the 'Fondue Sake'.

... with a harmonious flavour
This Junmai shortly ripened in wooden barrels (Yoshino cedar) refreshes with notes of cedar wood and lavender as well as with a dry, slightly resinous finish. Tangy-fresh, sweet and balanced, Kiku Masamune Taru Sake is also the ideal accompaniment to fish, especially sushi and sashimi, as well as to a juicy ham.

... with a buttery melt
Velvety, almost creamy on the palate, Nouvelle has been delighting us for around 1O years. With tangy notes of nutmeg, cloves, cauliflower and meringue and a fresh acidity & dry finish, this floral Junmai Ginjo is ideal with a risotto or a nice cheese platter.

We are happy to recommend more rocks from '1O years shizuku' right here...

December 2, 2023

When it gets cold, the fire is lit and the cozy fondue season begins!

Whether it's the classic cheese fondue, the fish version or the Japanese Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki...
shizuku will be happy to recommend the right nihonshu for each dish.
Bon appétit!

Sake in a cheese fondue
'Finally enjoyed a delicious #Fondue with #Sake (instead of white wine) from @shizuku_ch. Highly recommended! Thank you Marc Nydegger for the tip and the advice!'

Connoisseur Martin has tried it - in & with the cheese fondue. You too?
The fondue actually gets cheesier, velvety and smoother thanks to the low acidity of sake, for example with the:
... velvety, full-bodied Asahimai Junmai
... round, flavoured Inatahime Ryokan
... strong & intense Miyabi

Sake for fondue with fish
Fish delicacies from the fire pot. For a fish fondue with scallops, prawns or salmon, we recommend the:
... fruity & aromatic Daiginjo Kokuryu Gin no Tobira
... crisp, fresh & elegantly floral Gekkeikan Daiginjo
... strong, sweet Junmai Ginjo Karaku Amakuchi

Sake with Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki
Finely sliced entrecôte, glass noodles, mushrooms, tofu, various vegetables, rice & sauces and a nice glass of Japan, such as from the:
... complex, lively & powerful Daihoju
... elegant, aromatic & mineral Goriki Junmai Daiginjo
... full-bodied & velvety Junmai Daiginjo Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi

Put good things in the pot & enjoy them in good company. Enjoy your meal & kanpai!

November 11, 2023

A ship has an anchor. We have Nihonshu that have steadfastly convinced, fascinated or freshly inspired us again and again over the past 1O years.

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
Which drop to give a sake fan? Which sake are elegantly accessible and at the same time an experience for connoisseurs?
We are happy to share these jewels with you and hope you enjoy the next five recommendations, which are hard to beat in terms of complexity. Kanpai!

The beauties from Fukui
Kokuryu brews extremely high-quality sake, in small batches and made by hand. Truly not 0815 sake, but special nihonshu. These beauties also catch the eye because of their unique bottle labels, such as echizen-ori on the amazingly complex Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo and black velvet on the elegant Kuzuryu Daiginjo.

The art from Hyogo
This unique high-quality sake is quite simply an absolute top product. Delicate, fragrant, wonderfully aromatic and with a beautiful, rounded taste of cooked fruit, Junmai Daiginjo Shirayuki Banzaimon has been a true drinking experience for sake connoisseurs and true gourmets - since day 1 in our range.

The natural sparkling from Oita
'Let it sparkle' with this exemplary sparkling sake with natural bottle fermentation. The Yatsushika Sparkling Niji is a refreshing and fruity-sweet aperitif drink, slightly sparkling and with a low alcohol content perfect for any sociable kanpai or when celebrating in style.

The golden drop from Itami
Fresh & lively and complex in taste, the high-quality Daihoju is a delight on all levels. And the combination of Yamadanishiki rice and water from Itami makes for a particularly memorable experience. Powerful on the palate, accompanied by a beautiful acidity - a real gem that has fascinated us for 1O years.

The character sake from Yonago
The extremely elegant, complex and mineral-aromatic Goriki Junmai Daiginjo is slightly oily, with a fresh, exotic-fruity and lively character. The Goriki rice variety gives this sake a typically subtle fleshy and tangy note, extremely well-balanced on the palate, with a beautiful, aromatic finish.

We are happy to recommend more rocks from '1O years shizuku' right here...

November 10, 2023

They are firing up again, in a wintery Christmas atmosphere...

Sake Cheese Fondue - by ACRUSH IZAKAYA
ACRUSH IZAKAYA is entering its third round! This year, the Pop Up is once again opening its doors in the old Zurich industrial hall at Christmas time and invites you to the legendary 3-course Sake Cheese Fondue evenings: cheese fondue, infused with sake.
The cheese mixture is accompanied by an appetizer, pickles, bread, potatoes and soft ice cream with mugicha. All homemade.
On the menu you will find a selected choice of sake from shizuku - as well for those guests who just want to have a drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

The number of seats is limited.
Reserve your table today and enjoy with us.

November 4, 2023

Drinking a good drop of Japan is wonderful.
Understanding it, combining it skillfully and enjoying it together... is priceless.

The tasty lesson with the kanpai
Is sake wine or schnapps? Do you drink it cool or warm? And which type of sake goes with which dish? Get to know nihonshu drop by drop and enjoy it skilfully...
'Sake can be sweet, fruity, bitter or even salty and is so much more than matching sushi & sashimi.'
Marc Nydegger, Certified Sake Professional, 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.

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.

November 3, 2023

Dear connoisseur

There are various reasons for young people to decide to spend time abroad.
For many it is to learn a language, but for Marc Nydegger it was a break from everyday life in Switzerland. At the age of 16, he wanted to discover something new, to get to know a new, completely different culture from his own. And so at some point the decision was made: «You're going to Japan» (an article from AFS Magazine ACROSS).

1O years shizuku | How it all began...
His name comes up at every shizuku sake lecture - whenever the question arises how Marc, as a Swiss, came to sake. 'Mr Klopfenstein' - his professor in Japanese studies at the University of Zurich - opened the doors to Japan for Marc through his valuable contacts, to the logistics there and to his current local partners on site. An invaluable pathfinder & loyal companion that Marc would not want to miss on his journey.

The real adventure already began at university. Marc decided to study Japanese studies after his first exchange to Japan. When he told his professor Prof. Dr. Eduard Klopfenstein that he wanted to write his M.A. paper on the topic of nihonshu, his support was more than groundbreaking...

Nice to relive these moments on the occasion of the 1Oth Birthday to revive again, continuously...
Have fun reading!

The journey continues - drop by drop.

October 27, 2023

Dear connoisseur

And then it has been 1O years...!
Zurich, October 18, 2013. The new and first webshop specialized in sake www.shizuku.ch is online! The Japanese journey has begun...
'It was midnight, an exciting moment!' remembers founder Marc Nydegger.

1O years shizuku | The kanpai becomes historic
'The most beautiful thing for me personally was the noticeable curiosity & thirst for knowledge about Japan and its treasures. People didn't just want to buy Japanese drinks, they wanted to understand them, which connected us from day one.
Our connoisseurs scrolled with honest interest through the knowledge section, which by the way is a shortened translation of my M.A. paper from 2009 - he smiles nostalgically - and attended our sake lectures, tastings & numerous pairings in restaurants and later at shizuku Store.
This shared passion and positive response encouraged me, drove me and led, despite or thanks to exciting ups & downs, to today's historic moment: our 1O-year anniversary. I'm just grateful & happy. Here we go!'

1O years shizuku | More than a sake store...
This journey is our life. And pricelessly vivid it is made by the friends, companions & partners who have discovered, lived with and helped shape shizuku over the years drop by drop. They have supported us on the journey to this round milestone and shall be quoted vividly!

Nice to relive these moments on the occasion of the 1Oth Birthday to revive again, continuously...
And we start today with the host of our 1O years celebration & owner of Brasserie Freilager: Marco Pero. Have fun reading!

The journey continues - thanks & with you - drop by drop.
Arigato gozaimasu 🙏🏼

October 18, 2023

To select favorites would be impossible. But there are drops, which have accompanied us over the last 1O years, fascinated us again and again or inspired us anew.

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
Enjoy with us a journey across Japan & time and let the 'old ones' inspire you anew. Kanpai with the first five recommendations...

The little fat one
This is how the 'Edo' is usually affectionately called ;) The amber Shirayuki Edo Genroku, fermented in wooden barrels (taru), surprises salty on the nose and sweet on the palate. This strong as well as flattering Junmai is complex & layered, with a long, salty-sweet haze. The perfect dessert & popular with our connoisseurs for years.

The hearty goodness
In terms of family and taste, the Inata Honten Brewery has grown close to our hearts over the years. Here, authentic brewing is still lived and brewed for the moment of enjoyment, as with Goriki Junmai Ginjo. Racy, expressive, life in the glass. Enjoy fruity-sweetish and slightly tangy, with a present acidity.

The feminine touch
Out of over a thousand sake breweries in Japan, one small one stands out, as Shotoku Brewery was run by a passionate woman for over 1O years. Skillfully and with much love, she and her small team created tastefully impressive sake, such as Karaku Amakuchi. Vivid & lively, combined with a balanced acidity and long in the finish, a beautiful fruity monument.

The Japanese Seduction
A fresh and balanced acidity and an extremely seductive bouquet describe the feel-good moment with the Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi, brewed by the small family brewery Nakashima. This very complex, full-bodied and velvety Junmai Daiginjo also pleases our palate, mild, pleasantly fruity and with a welcome elegance.

The sweet plum
When we are on the road, so is the Ohako Umeshu. Whether pure, on the rocks or meanwhile often seen as an exciting ingredient in cocktails - this unique plum liqueur is the sweet favorite at shizuku and since the beginning always at our side. An excellent umeshu, strong & fruity, with a complex, tangy note in the long finish.

October 15, 2023

While the summer sun is slowly setting over here, the Land of the Rising Sun is in the mood for a bright new dawn.
Today's 'World Sake Day' marks the start of the new brewing season in Japan. And to celebrate, Meikel is creating fiery. Don't blush - it's yummy!

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - Cheeky Tomato & a glass of Sake - The Umami Fireworks!

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 surprising mix of Yoom tomato, watermelon & grilled pointed pepperoni on a spicy dressing of salt, pepper, chili, rice vinegar, olive & sunflower oil, sambal oelek and rosemary - that's it.
Aside: The aromatic, powerful and tangy Goriki Junmai - a sake with a lot of umami. Oily, resinous, smokey and spicy-fleshy on the palate, it is intense in flavour & an ideal companion to hearty as well as grilled dishes.

Culinary conclusion: 'Very intense flavours meet here. Excitingly spicy, sweet & savory. This Yoom tomato in particular, with its own tangyness & acidity, is a great match for the watermelon. And the spicy sauce makes up for it...' smiles Meikel happily.
'Then with this smooth and at the same time very aromatic sake - a perfect combination.
Actually a fantastic late summer dish, but fitting for 'World Sake Day' a real umami firework. You want more, on the fork & in the glass. Really yummy!'

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'.

October 1, 2023

Dear connoisseur

Can you believe it? shizuku is celebrating its 1Oth birthday this year.
'Crazy. Even I have yet to realise it', smiles founder Marc Nydegger visibly touched.

So let's let it soak a little longer and in the meantime set the table for an enjoyable celebration at & with friends, where we hope you will also join...

1O years shizuku | A well-rounded milestone
'shizuku stands for the best sake I have ever drunk in my life', enthuses Marco Pero - gastronomy consultant & owner of Brasserie Freilager. 'It was through Marc that I discovered the beautiful quality of sake in a wine glass. He opened my horizon for something completely new, something unique, something wonderful. Today I'm just mega proud of what he has achieved.'

Marco accompanied us from hour 1. So it's all the more beautiful to be able to raise the sake glass with him again after 1O years. Become part of the Brasserie Freilager culinary and join us for a celebratory kanpai - at the 'Sakelicious Apéro' and the following 'Pairing Surprise'.

'Friends, companions, partners & our connoisseurs at one table - a beautiful thought. I am looking forward to it!'

September 17, 2023

'I want the Swiss to drink sake with their Käseplättli, cheese fondue or raclette'.
Marc Nydegger attracted attention with this statement years ago. At the time, the young entrepreneur was - understandably - smiled at. Today he is smiling...

Umami is the secret!
On the one hand, his customers now explicitly ask for the 'fondue sake'. Meanwhile, they also melt away when it comes to sake raclette. And the sake expert has been working closely with the neighbourhood shop Amstad Chäslädeli for years. Together they have created exciting combinations that can be enjoyed at the cozy shizuku sake cheese pairing - in a small, refined setting.

Taste exquisite premium drops from Japan in combination with selected cheese and let yourself be positively 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.

September 15, 2023

Keep cool. The ice-cold connection...

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - COOL CUCUMBER | Salad & 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: A fresh salad of cucumber & kohlrabi, finely sliced, plus white beans, some black pepper & dill, marinated in a honey mustard sauce with rice vinegar - that's it.
Aside: The Japanese rice wine Goriki Junmai Ginjo. Served cold, a racy, expressive Junmai Ginjo, with a present acidity and a velvety, yeasty melt. In addition, tangy in the finish, the 'cool catch' to Meikel's creative salad plate.

Culinary conclusion: 'Really cool!' Meikel enthusiastically. 'I had fun developing & arranging. Then to experience how this connection works, how the beans combine everything nice & creamy, how this sake complements with tangyness & melt - top. A nice, light dish. Green, fresh and with a spicy pep. Just mega refreshing - a cool thing!'

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'.

September 14, 2023

Diving in once more, revelling in summer memories and smiling....
What better way to do that than with a really good drop in the glass?

Let's let the summer sake in
Let's do it with harmony, perfection and passion. Let's treat ourselves to a Japanese premium sake with depth and let the still warm memories sink into profound stories.

The breeze of lilac...
as well as fruity, bitter-sweet and exotic spicy. Lively, racy and expressive, Goriki Junmai Ginjo surprises with a present acidity as well as a velvety, yeasty melt.

The smooth structure...
makes this extremely high-quality sake an absolute top product. The Shirayuki Banzaimon spoils delicately, fragrantly, wonderfully aromatic and with a beautiful, rounded taste of cooked fruit. A true drinking experience for sake fans and true connoisseurs.

The lively one with the kick...
in addition noble and tasty? Then kanpai with the elegant and fruity-sweet Karaku Amakuchi. With notes of lychee and strawberries, combined with a balanced acidity and long in the finish, guaranteed once again summer comes into the glass. An ideal drop also for sake beginners.

The cool elegance...
with a slightly bitter cocoa note. The multilayered and powerful Premium Sake Daiginjo Hiyashibori spoils with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweetish and at the same time tangy notes, reminiscent of forest and chocolate and is dry and long lasting in the finish.

The seductive bouquet...
as well as the fresh and balanced acidity provide the perfect feel-good moment with the Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi. This very complex, full-bodied and velvety Junmai Daiginjo delights with fruity, ripe notes, mild, sweet and with a subtle spiciness.

Taste new things, discover new things - drop by drop.
Browse through the online shop with pleasure or get personal advice at shizuku Store. Kanpai!

August 13, 2023

When it comes to quality, Japan is on site - especially for summery grill pleasures.
shizuku is happy to recommend hot contenders for your tangy barbecue...

The BBQ with Japan at the table
In the heat of the moment, the companion in the glass is too often lost - not with us!
Thanks to the art of Japanese brewing & flavourful inputs from Meikel's kitchen, there's no limit during your barbecue. Heat up...

To the Beef Feather Piece the gold drop
The extremely elegant, complex & aromatic Goriki Junmai Daiginjo is a mineral sake with a fresh, exotic-fruity and lively character. And with its decent fleshy and at the same time tangy note, literally the golden drop to Meikel's hearty BBQ creation.

To the Pork Sausage the Japanese perfection
The Kozaemon Kimoto Junmai is a force in taste. Brewed according to the traditional kimoto method, this well-balanced sake convinces with fresh and at the same time intense, sweet as well as spicy roasted aromas. And with its very pleasant acidity its the ideal drop to grilled meat and sausage.

To the Beef Entrecôte with grilled vegetables the X
The complex X3 Rose, brewed from red rice and three times the amount of koji, 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 Spare Ribs - brushed with Edo
Fermented in wooden barrels (taru), the complex, amber-coloured Shirayuki Edo Genroku is a bold, multi-layered Junmai with a long, salty-sweet veil of dark chocolate, honey, yeast, dried corn as well as lime blossom and wood. Yummy and also perfect for the glaze...

To the Roasted Porkwich the Pale Ale
The hearty Rising Sun Pale Ale, a powerful craft beer after Japanese brewing art, is complex, lively and at the same time extremely well-balanced, with a refreshing citrus-hop character.

We are happy to recommend more ideas in our sake food blog Meikel's kitchen and wish kanpai!

July 31, 2023

Enjoying sake 'chilled' is a refreshing drinking experience.
For more delicate nihonshu with a high rate of rice polishing, it is recommended that the drops tend to be drunk cooler.

Want to cool down Japanese Style?
Let's drift - from cold to summer - and discover the chilled complexity and sophistication of high-quality sake as the outside temperature rises...

The Daiginjo Hiyashibori | Multilayered from 10-15°C
This powerful premium sake indulges with a fruity bouquet followed by sweet yet tangy notes, reminiscent of forest and black chocolate.

The Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo | Lively from 5-10°C
A jewel of a sake. Elegantly rounded, sweetly dry and gently aromatic, with a concise bouquet, a fruity spiciness as well as a long aftertaste.

The Shirayuki Akafuji | Round from 10-15°C
This approachable Junmai enraptures with notes of white chocolate, caramel and vanilla, combined with a bit of citrus and rather dry on the finish.

The Goriki Nigori | Unfiltered refreshing from 10-15°C
Fruity-sweet and slightly bitter, this Nigori is a cool summer aperitif & an exciting food accompaniment to spicy food, especially enjoyed on ice. Also available in a sweet-sour version: Kyo Yuzu Nigori with hand-pressed yuzu juice.

The Kokuryu Gin no Tobira | Exotic aromatic from 5-10°C
Light in taste, fruity, somewhat exotic this Daiginjo reminds directly of a Riesling. Fresh & elegant mineral a quaffable, beautifully balanced drop in mini format.

July 9, 2023

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 Japan Matsuri is not only the Japanese festival of Italian Switzerland, but meanwhile the biggest event dedicated to Japanese culture in Switzerland.

10th edition | shizuku at JAPAN MATSURI 2023
With great anticipation, shizuku is packing its sake suitcases again this year and is happy to lure you to Ticino for a special sunny weekend.
Because not only we are celebrating our 10th birthday this year - the popular Japan Festival is getting ready for an unforgettable 10th edition after last year's record of 12'000 visitors!

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.

June 30, 2023