NISHI SHUZO
Distillery : Nishi Shuzo Co., LTD.
Founded: 1845
Believing that good shochu, like a good harvest, is nothing less than a gift from the earth, Nishi Shuzo only uses potatoes and rice grown by local farmers. Additionally the brewery itself is surrounded by mountains, and thus they are blessed with good water
KAGOSHIMA
PRODUCTS
Tasting Notes
Lychee aroma and a deep, rich flavor with a wide range of nuances. Grown in the ‘Grand Cru’ (special grade) fields, known for their good soil and exposure to sunlight, as well as the ‘Yamada Nishiki’ rice carefully nurtured in their own rice paddies, and finished with the techniques developed over their 160 years of history.
Overview
Food Pairings: To be enjoyed solely as a drink
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: Unclassified
Distillation Method: Unclassified
Aged: N/A
ABV: 30% (60 proof)
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Brewed with black koji. This shochu has a robust body, and when diluted with hot water, it reveals a rich aroma and deep flavor. The fragrant steam rising from the glass gently tickles the nose, offering a refreshing and clean finish. A quintessential imo (sweet potato) shochu, elevated to new depths. Start by enjoying it with hot water.
Overview
Food Pairings: Sashimi, Tonkatsu, Braised pork
Awards:
Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition - 2020 Gold Award
International Wine and Spirit Competition - 2016 Bronze Award
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: Black Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: 100 days
ABV: 24% (48pf)
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Everything you expect out of a Barley Shochu and more. Full of Umami and Barley flavor, with a sharp top note in the aroma, and the light fragrance of wheat at the base. Has a creamy, buttery quality that makes it difficult to stop drinking.
Overview
Food Pairings: Sashimi, Sushi, Vinegared Dishes
Awards: International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Silver Medal
Mode Selection 2013 - Gold Award
LA Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Gold Award
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Barley, Barley Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Normal)
Aged: N/A
ABV: 25% (50pf)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
The making of this Satsuma Houzan is the culmination of improving on tradition since Nishi Sake Brewing's establishment in 1845, and the taste should be thought of as a representation of all their Houzan. Has a sweet aroma and a firm, heavy mouthfeel.
Overview
Food Pairings: Mizutaki (chicken hotpot), Chicken Dishes, Sashimi
Awards: International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Gold Award
LA Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Silver Award
Monde Selection 2013 Grand Gold Medal
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Normal Pressure)
Aged: N/A
ABV: 25% (50pf)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
A highly prized Imo Shochu aged in Sherry Barrels and made with premium sweet potatoes and white koji. Tenshi no Yuwaku has a thick and creamy texture, and a sophisticated and elegant aroma. Shares brandy and sherry characteristics, while retaining all the richness of a sweet potato Genshu. The name Tenshi no Yuwaku (Angel's Temptation) is a reference to the "Angel's Share" (the quantity of barrel stored wine or whisky that evaporates during aging, which is said to be taken by Angels).
Overview
Food Pairings: Chocolate, Fruits, Dried Fruits
Awards: International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Grand Gold Award
LA Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Gold Award
Monde Selection 2013 - Gold Medal
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Normal Pressure)
Aged: More than 7 years
ABV: 40% (80pf)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Using low-temperature fermentation, yellow koji (usually used in sake rather than shochu) and carefully selected sweet potatoes, Tomi no Houzan displays a sweet and citrusy aroma and light, enjoyable flavor.
Overview
Food Pairings: Sea Bream Carpaccio, Sushi
Awards:
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Silver Award
LA Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Gold Award
Monde Selection 2013 - Grand Gold Medal
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: Yellow Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Normal Pressure)
Aged: N/A
ABV: 24% (48pf)
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Hakuten Houzan is a premium sweet potato shochu from Nishi-Shuzo, which also makes products like Tomino Houzan and Kiccho Houzan. This shochu is produced only once a yea and the shochu is stored in a ceramic jar known as "Kametsubo." The shochu has a buttery feeling while providing floral and aromatic flavors.
Overview
Food Pairings: Lightly Flavored Fish Dishes, Kyoto Style Vegetable Dishes
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji Kin
Distillation Method: Single Normal Pressure
Aged: About 1 Year
ABV: 25% (50pf）
Size: 750ml
Tasting Notes
Made with premium quality sweet potatoes and black koji, and best enjoyed diluted with hot water (oyuwari), as the steam from the hot water will bring the sweet aroma into play. Full bodied and crisp, this is a shochu that will almost certainly tempt the palate of any fine shochu connoisseur.
Overview
Food Pairings: Grilled Meat, Gyoza
Awards:
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014 - Silver Award
LA Wine & Spirits Competition - Gold Award
Monde Selection 2013 - Grand Gold Medal
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: Black Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Normal Pressure)
Aged: n/a
ABV: 25% (50pf)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
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