Foundation Day is the nationwide holiday commemorates the accession to the throne  of Japan’s first human emperor. The day was originally known as Empire Day in 1872. It is observed in Japan with fireworks and speeches. One of the most elaborate parties is in Tokyo, where special rites are performed at the Imperial Sanctuary. So a good excuse to throw down some Japanese spirits.

On this week’s show, we’re using the occasion of a Japanese national holiday as an excuse to talk about Japanese whisky and sake, with a pair of experts who spend much of their day sipping and analyzing both of these remarkable beverages.