This week on Beer Sessions Radio it's all about Japanese beers and sakes. Joined by a venerable panel of Japanese culture and sake experts, including importer George Kao, Philip Gilmour of Momo Sushi Shack, and Kaori Eda, this episode uncovers the rich history of of this Japanese rice spirit, from the traditional brewing and fermenting techniques, the different types rice species, and some of the best sake breweries and bars. Learn what exactly makes a premium sake "premium", how to properly serve a warm sake, and how developing a sake palate is like developing a musical palate-- if you don't like it at first, you probably just haven't tried the right one! This episode is sponsored by GreatBrewers.com.

Renae’s interest in food began while working summers in Alaska in the commercial fishing industry. Although very different from growing and tending to crops, she discovered the importance of where and how our food gets to our plate. After her college graduation, Renae decided to take a 10 month apprenticeship on ALM Farm in Sooke on Vancouver Island, BC. She took a season off to work back in Alaska before returning to agriculture at the Sunshine Farm (made famous by the documentary film Broken Limbs) in Chelan, Washington. She is now in her 3rd season as the field manager of 6.5 acres of vegetable production providing produce to an on site market, a CSA, the Chelan Farmer's Market and numerous restaurants and grocers. In the near future she sees herself bridging the gap between agriculture and education. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

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This week on the Main Course, Patrick Martins holds down the show solo and is joined by founder of Sea To Table, a family operation that seeks out sustainably managed fisheries needing better access to markets, providing a direct connection between fishermen and chefs. They discuss the differences between wild and farmed salmon, and debate the benefits and dangers of farmed fish in general. Later on the show, southern food and culture expert John T. Edge and the man behind Zingerman's, Ari Weinzweig both call in to talk about southern traditions, pork and the upcoming Camp Bacon events in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Also on the show, Renato Sardo of Jack London Market. This episode was sponsored by Camp Bacon.