Shochu
Immerse yourself in the art of Shochu, a captivating spirit masterfully distilled from premium sweet potatoes, barley, rice, and more. Explore our curated selection, where each bottle encapsulates the essence of Japanese heritage, delivering a unique and refined experience for those who appreciate the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes
On the nose shows bright pineapple with hints of white peach, coconut, vanilla, green melon, white pepper, and honey suckle. The spirit is balanced on the nose and holds it's elevated 43% very well. On the palette, there are hints of malted barley and honey with a creamy texture. Melon rind, chocolate and vanilla on the finish. The finish is medium to long with a full bodied balanced texture.
iichiko Shinwa is a superbly crafted Shochu with rich textured flavors that are perfectly suited to enjoy in many styles of cocktails.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pairs well with seafood, sushi, sashimi, and savory dishes like tempura yakitori, etc.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Mugi
Main Ingredient: Barley Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji
Distillation Method: Vacuum Distillation
Aged: -
ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Their motivation is simple, they want to fully utilize every ingredient that comes into their brewery, supporting their broader effort to be more sustainable. By re-fermenting their sake lees, they capture the complexity and nuanced notes of their sake, but distilled into a rich full-strength spirit. At 40% alcohol volume, Kasutori Shochu is bold yet delicate, flavorful yet smooth, and shines in a wide variety of cocktail applications. Rich, long finish, notes of fig and custard harmonize with lemon, white flower, and a pleasant toasted-grain roundness.
Overview
Food Pairings: Right at home in tropical-style cocktails, prohibition-era classics, or forward-thinking, culinary and savory libations
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Sake
Main Ingredient: Yamada Nishiki
Type of Koji: -
Distillation Method: Single Pot, Atmospheric
Aged: -
ABV: 40%
Size: 375ml, 750ml
Distillery Profile
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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
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Tasting Notes
Kohaku no Yokaichi is a single-barrel release shochu made solely from barley, then aged to perfection. The nose is sweet and mellow with notes of barley, cinnamon, leather, aged wood, light caramel, and dry tobacco. It is smooth and lightly creamy on the palate, with flavors that include cocoa, dried mint, light caramel, and porcini mushroom. The graceful finish is lightly salty with no bite.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pairs very well with light, savory foods such as almonds and Manchego cheese, or cold soba, lightly seared Wagyu beef, seared salmon, Porcini mushroom risotto, cheese galettes, grilled chicken skewers (especially with crispy chicken skin), chicken karaage.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Barely, Barley Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Single (Less Pressure)
Aged: 1 Year
ABV: 25%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
This is a new type of awamori unlike traditional awamori products. It is made by blending aged awamori with awamori that has been brewed with sake yeast and undergoes vacuum distillation. It has a smooth, crisp, and refreshing taste with no strong aftertaste, and the delicate ginjo aroma and the flavor of rice are experienced as a rich ‘umami’ when you take a sip. Enjoy while eating, singing, and dancing, capturing the lively atmosphere and the flow of time that comes with the presence of ‘shima uta’ (island songs). The blue color represents the refreshing and clear aftertaste of the awamori, as well as the imagery of the sky and sea of Okinawa.
Overview
Food Pairings: Yakitori, Karage (Fried chicken)
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black Koji
Distillation Method: Vacuum
Aged: Less than 3 Years
ABV: 30%
Size: 1800mL
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
From the many oak barrels resting in the storage warehouse of Sengetsu Shuzo, a selection of long-aged spirits over 6 years old has been carefully chosen. These have been blended by an experienced toji (master brewer) in exquisite proportions. This is a fine product that allows you to enjoy the fusion of the rich aroma of oak barrels that have matured over many years with the taste of rice shochu. It is recommended to enjoy it on the rocks or with soda. Only oak barrels made in-house are used; no second-hand barrels from other companies are ever used.
Overview
Food Pairings: Cheese / Crackers / Chocolate / Yakiniku
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Shiro Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Vacuum Distillation
Aged: Over 6 years
ABV: 24%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
A pure, non-blended aged sake that thoroughly pursues the flavor and appeal of aged Awamori. 100% aged for 3 years.
Overview
Food Pairings: Chocolate / Peanuts / Meat Dishes
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Thai Rice
Type of Koji: Black Koji
Distillation Method: Atmospheric Distillation
Aged: 3 years
ABV: 43% (86pf)
Size: 720ml
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Tasting Notes
The finest coffee beans are blended with awamori made from Hitomebore rice grown in Yaeyama. Brown sugar and cocoa powder are added to bring out a rich sweetness and depth. It’s a luxurious liqueur that can be enjoyed by mixing with milk or drizzling over ice cream, like a decadent dessert. It also pairs well with beer or lemon soda for a delicious twist.
Overview
Food Pairings: Ice Cream, Chocolate, Cookies
Specifications
Alcohol Base: Shochu Based
Ingredients: Awamori, Brown Sugar, Coffee, Superfine Sugar, Cocoa Powder
ABV: 12％
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
When you take a sip, the flavor has the characteristic aroma of black koji, yet the smoothness of both the fragrance and the taste stands out in this imo shochu. The raw material used is Kagoshima-produced Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes, with both ends carefully trimmed to minimize any undesirable odors. The koji used is black koji, a traditional strain, and by using a filtration method called rough filtration, the carefully crafted flavor is preserved without being compromised.
Overview
Food Pairings: Yakitori, Gyoza, Chicken Steak
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato
Type of Koji: Black Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: N/A
ABV: 25%
Size: 900ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Beniharuka is a sweet potato that has great color and flavor. Its sugar content when steamed is higher than that of other red sweet potato varieties, making it a very delicious potato. The imo shochu made from this ultimate honey sweet potato, Beniharuka, has a very smooth taste and a wonderfully sweet aroma. For the best experience, enjoy it on the rocks or with water to appreciate its refreshing qualities.
Overview
Food Pairings: Tempura, Beef Katsu, Garlic Chicken Sautée
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato
Type of Koji: Black Koji-Kin
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: N/A
ABV: 25%
Size: 900ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
A sweet blend of authentic rice shochu Hakutake with Japanese Yuzu and Lemon juice - this double-citrus liqueur harmoniously displays yuzu's gentle astringency with lemon's refreshing acidity on the palate. The deep citrus aroma and juicy flavor are delicious chilled in the summer (or on the rocks), as well as served hot in the winter.
Overview
Food Pairings: Refreshing hors d'oeuvres, coleslaw, salads, or enjoy before or after a meeting
Specifications
Alcohol Base: Shochu Based
Ingredients: Honkaku Rice Shochu, Yuzu, Lemon, Sugar
ABV: 8% (16pf)
Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes
This light and smooth kokuto shochu has a clean and light character, and a smooth flavor laden with umami and a hint of fruit to match it's tropical nose.
Overview
Food Pairings: Kansas style BBQ, spanish mackerel, fried coconut shrimp, unagi kabayaki, sunomono
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Single Distilled
Main Ingredient: Kokuto Black Sugar
Type of Koji: White Koji
Distillation Method: Vacuum and Atmospheric
Aged: At least 3 years
ABV: 24% (48 proof)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Nankai Gold Shochu is a rich and satisfying spirit with a complex blend of green apple, vanilla, spice, and citrus peel notes. It has layers of fruit, floral, and malty aromas, complemented by gentle notes of raisins, chocolates, and honey. The finish is a delicious combination of caramel, chocolate, and raisins. One of the unique features of this shochu is that a portion of the blend is single-distilled using vacuum distillation, which creates a smooth and gentle finish. This distillation process preserves the luscious flavors and aromas of the source grain, resulting in a high-quality spirit that is perfect for sipping and enjoying.
Overview
Food Pairings: Grilled seafood, cheese platters, fatty sushi or sashimi, spicy dishes such as Thai curry or spicy ramen
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Single Distilled
Main Ingredient: Kokuto Black Sugar
Type of Koji: White Koji
Distillation Method: Vacuum and Atmospheric
Aged: 3-5 years
ABV: 43% (86 proof)
Size: 750ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Quality Japanese peaches are pulverized for their pulp and combined in concentrated amounts with light, delicious Kumamoto Rice Shochu. Perfect for a sweet, aromatic and textural accent in cocktails, and delicious by itself, on the rocks, or poured over deserts like ice cream.
Overview
Food Pairings: Fruit Tart, Sweet Crepes, Ice Cream
Awards: Kumamoto Product Promotion Board - Acknowledgement of Excellence
Specifications
Alcohol Base: Shochu Based
Ingredients: Rice Shochu, Peach Pulp
ABV: 7％
Size: 375ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
TaKaRa Chu-Hi Lemon flavored sparkling cocktail is a clean, refreshing drink with fresh lemon flavor. It’s lightly cloudy in the glass, just like great lemonade. It smells like fresh-squeezed lemons accented by a hint of lemon candy. The palate is pure and lemony with long-lasting flavor and just enough sweetness to balance the tangy fruit without seeming sweet. TaKaRa “CHU-HI,” short for Sho-chu Highball, is an iconic Japanese sparkling cocktail that fuses Shochu(Japanese distilled spirit) and fresh juice sourced from locally grown fruits in Japan. Its mild alcohol content, delicate sweetness, and superbly refreshing fruit flavors are sure to be memorable.
Overview
Food Pairings: Drink TaKaRa Chu-Hi Lemon on its own or with your favorite savory snacks. Also pair very well with picnic foods such as fried chicken and sandwiches. You can also use TaKaRa Chu-Hi Lemon in place lemon-lime soda or ginger ale in cocktails with gin, vodka, or whiskey.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Korui
Main Ingredient: TaKaRa Shochu
Type of Koji: N/A
Distillation Method: Multiple
Aged: N/A
ABV: 5.5%
Size: 355ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
TaKaRa Chu-Hi White Peach sparkling cocktail has a delightfully fresh and flavorful taste of summer, like biting into a white peach just picked off the tree. TaKaRa “CHU-HI,” short for Sho-chu Highball, is an iconic Japanese sparkling cocktail that fuses Shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) and fresh juice sourced from locally grown fruits in Japan. Its mild alcohol content, delicate sweetness, and superbly refreshing fruit flavors are sure to be memorable.
Overview
Food Pairings: Drink TaKaRa Chu-Hi White Peach accompany with prosciutto, medium soft to hard white cheeses, or mildly sweet pastries. Perfect for a Sunday brunch, a great combination with Eggs Benedict or bacon and cheese quiche. For an even more festive cocktail, add some TaKaRa Chu-Hi White Peach to a glass of Champagne!
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Korui
Main Ingredient: TaKaRa Shochu
Type of Koji: N/A
Distillation Method: Multiple
Aged: N/A
ABV: 4.5%
Size: 355ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Takara Chu Hi Fuji Apple smells so much like fresh, aromatic apple slices that it’s hard to believe it’s a cocktail. It tastes like biting into a crisp, juicy apple. TaKaRa “CHU-HI,” short for Sho-chu Highball, is an iconic Japanese sparkling cocktail that fuses Shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) and fresh juice sourced from locally grown fruits in Japan. Its mild alcohol content, delicate sweetness, and superbly refreshing fruit flavors are sure to be memorable.
Overview
Food Pairings: Drink Takara Chu Hi Fuji Apple on its own, with your favorite savory snacks, or with fruit and cheese plates. Also pairs well with various meals, including salads, chicken, and sushi. Try adding whiskey to Takara Chu Hi Fuji Apple or a bolder cocktail.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Korui
Main Ingredient: TaKaRa Shochu
Type of Koji: N/A
Distillation Method: Multiple
Aged: N/A
ABV: 4.5%
Size: 355ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
3-year-aged kusu and young awamori are carefully blended, resulting in a spirit with smooth and mellow flavor. Zanpa 43's blending and stainless steel tank aging creates a rich yet clean flavor that is an excellent base for a variety of cocktails. The character of Zanpa 43 shifts and changes depending on how you serve it and what it is mixed with. Intimately explore this awamori's personality neat in a grappa glass for a classic experience. Zanpa 43 carries aromas of fresh green apple, hazelnut, and delicate florals mixed with wintergreen. On the palate, there are elegant and rich notes of honey, caramel, nuts, dark milk chocolate, mixed with fruits and dewy floral. Deliciously balanced complexities of sweetness, savoriness, bitterness, and astringency on a plush velvety texture. Zanpa 43 won first place in the awamori category at the 23rd National Liquor Contest (Japan).
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes, sweets such as dark and bitter chocolate, ice cream, etc.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Kusu - Atmospheric / Awamori - Vacuum
Aged: Kusu - 3 years minimum / Awamori - N/A
ABV: 43%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Carefully nurtured and aged for 5 years, allowing it to develop a rich aroma and flavor that can only be achieved through the passage of time. A true masterpiece that offers deep and complex flavors that become more enjoyable with each sip. A warm nose of caramelized pineapple, nuts, mushroom, vanilla, and earth. Robust umami flavors of mushroom meet with candied buddha's hand, caramelized sugar, and beets. With a 35% ABV content, this kusu (aged awamori) can be cut with club soda and served with lemon or lime, but Higa Shuzo recommends trying this Zanpa Premium in a cocktail using Japanese flavors such as shiso, ginger, sansho pepper, or matcha.
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes, sweets such as dark and bitter chocolate, etc.
Awards:
Monde Selection - International High Quality Trophy 2020, Grand Gold Award 2020, Gold Award 2014-2019 (6 consecutive years)
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 2 Stars 2014-2020
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: 5 years
ABV: 35%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Zanpa Premium 30 is created by blending Zanpa's atmospherically distilled 5-year-old kusu (aged awamori) and their traditional young awamori distilled under reduced pressure. This 3:2 ratio blend highlights the unique aroma, richness, and distinct flavor that develops from the kusu’s 5 years of clay pot storage. The kusu imparts a creamy vanilla aroma with notes of wild rice, mushrooms, dried herbs, and burdock root, while the younger awamori contributes a refreshing and easy-to-drink balance, creating a smooth and enjoyable awamori experience. The color of this deep blue bottle is inspired by the skies and seas of Okinawa.
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes (fried or raw), cheese, smoked dishes, chocolate, desserts, etc.
Awards:
Monde Selection - Grand Gold Award 2019-2021, Gold Award 2011-2018 (8 consecutive years)
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 3 Stars 2011, 2012, 2014-2022
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Kusu - Atmospheric / Awamori - Vacuum
Aged: Kusu - 5 years / Awamori - 3 months minimum
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
This 24% ABV version of Zanpa White was developed for the U.S. market with a fresh new label and bottle to convey the charms of Okinawa. Awamori is typically filtered once after distillation, but for Zanpa White, a double filtration process is employed, resulting in clean and smooth flavor with a soft finish, which makes it very easy to drink. Notes of green banana, white florals, sweet orange peel, walnut, and baking spice on the nose. A more herbal component, similar to angelica root, emerges on the palate. Enjoy it straight, on the rocks or mixed with club soda. Zanpa White served with citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or Okinawan shequasar can create a lovely tropical escape.
Overview
Food Pairings: Fried foods, meat dishes, fish dishes, etc.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Vacuum
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 24%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
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Tasting Notes
Zanpa 1999 is a kusu (aged awamori) time capsule that carries an aroma reminiscent of caramel, vanilla, custard, cherry cordial, and toasted brown rice. When sipped, a delightful sweetness blooms on the palate, followed by puffed cereals and a lingering caramel finish with pleasant undertones of bitter, toasty notes. Every aspect of its aroma and flavor is meticulously balanced, a superb example of an unblended aged awamori.
As its availability is limited, Zanpa 1999 is not distributed to the general public. It is sold in limited quantities during special events a few times a year.
Overview
Food Pairings: Sweets, especially dark and bitter chocolates
Awards:
JAL New Japan Project (National Sake/Ryukyu Awamori Support Project) - 10 Years or Older Kusu Category GRAND PRIZE
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: Aged from 1999
ABV: 41%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Zanpa Black is one of Higa Shuzo's flagship products alongside Zanpa White. Zanpa Black has been loved by many generations and continues to be a popular, long-selling product. This awamori is known for its clean and sharp taste characterized by its refreshing aroma and finish created by vacuum distillation. Notes of ripe apple, black tea, flint, and cool melon rind on the nose. Gentle rounded mouthfeel with a plesant buidling bitterness accented by notes of turbinado sugar, cocoa powder, and grassy pandan and a lingering aftertaste of tropical fruit. Enjoy Zanpa Black mixed with carbonated beverages (3:7 ratio or 5:5 ratio) and a squeeze of fresh citrus like Okinawan shequwasar (シークヮーサー) for a delicious twist. For a rich yet refreshing mix, try Zanpa Black cut with sanpin tea (Okinawan jasmine oolong tea) or iced coffee. Versatile as an cocktail base and food pairings.
Overview
Food Pairings: Zanpa Black is delicious with a wide range of cuisines and is an excellent choice for food pairings. Okinawan cuisine, fried chicken, gyoza/dumplings, other strong or rich flavored foods.
Awards:
Monde Selection - Gold Award 2009-2020 (12 consecutive years), International High Quality Trophy 2020
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 2 Stars in 2009-2012 and 2015-2020
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Vacuum
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
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Tasting Notes
Dynamic herbaceous aromas with notes of porcini mushrooms and yuzu peel. On the palate, the structure is graceful and delivers on the expected notes of citrus and umami. A lingering mineral finish begs the drinker for another sip.
Following the tradition of Kuma shochu, the distillery uses earthenware jars to age this shochu. Slow-aging this honkaku (authentic) shochu more than three years creates a mellow and smooth flavor with a deep sweetness derived from the rice. Komoriuta is delicious on the rocks or mixed with club soda or seltzer and works well as a cocktail base for a wide range of drinks as its alcohol content is 30%. This aged shochu is recommended for those who prefer a mellow flavor and for those who are trying shochu for the first time. It is well-received within and also outside of Asia as an easy-to-drink spirit.
The name Komoriuta means lullaby in Japanese. This product name and design was inspired by "Itsuki's Lullaby," which is passed down from generation to generation in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pairs well with a wide range of cuisine, from subtle to highly seasoned. Especially recommended for pairing with salty and spicy flavors, and with meat dishes.
Other pairings include: charcuterie, Amarena Cherries, nuts, almond biscotti, dark chocolate, desserts using banana, pandan, and/or coconut milk, etc.
Awards:
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition - Gold Medal 2022
Ultimate Spirits Challenge - 92 points 2022
Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition - Gold Medal 2022
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Kome, Otsu-rui, Honkaku Shochu
Main Ingredient: Rice, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji Kin
Distillation Method: Vacuum, Single
Aged: 3 years minimum (up to 5 years of aging max)
ABV: 30% (60pf)
Size: 1800ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Hakutake is the best-selling honkaku (authentic) rice shochu in Japan! This flagship shochu from Takahashi Shuzo has earned exceptional support from consumers in the Japanese market for many years for its smooth mouthfeel, refreshing flavor, and rich aroma of rice, melon, and banana. Hakutake is vacuum distilled and uses a two-stage brewing process with shochu yeast, carefully selected rice, and pure water from the Kuma River. Hakutake is Vegan and carries the Geographical Indication of "Kuma Shochu."
Hakutake's subtle and comforting flavor can be enjoyed not only through traditional preparations (mixed with ice and water, mixed with hot water, on the rocks, or straight) but also as a delicious base for cocktails.
Overview
Food Pairings: Light or rich Japanese dishes, such as sashimi, tempura, hiyayakko (chilled tofu), oden, fried or grilled dishes, miso, soy sauce, chinmi (Japanese delicacies) etc.
Works well with a variety of international dishes and cuisines as this mellow and neutral rice shochu does not interfere with the flavors of food.
Awards:
Monde Selection - International High Quality Trophy 2020
Gold Award 2020 (for 7 consecutive years)
56th Kumamoto National Tax Agency Liquor Appraisal Competition Award of Excellence 2022
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Kome, Otsu-rui, Honkaku Shochu
Main Ingredient: Rice, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji Kin
Distillation Method: Vacuum, Single
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 25% (50pf)
Size: 1800ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Born from the desire to create a shochu that people can enjoy every day. Whether one is new to the world of shochu or a connoisseur, Hakutake KAORU will soon find a place in your heart and in your glass with the harmonious balance of its fruity and lively Ginjo aroma and deep, rice-based flavor. Ginjo aroma refers to the fruity and floral aroma characteristics often exhibited by Ginjo-grade sake. From rice selection to fermentation, distillation, and blending, Takahashi Shuzo cultivates the "Ginjo aroma" in every step of the process, including its name - KAORU is the Japanese word for "sweet smelling" or "fragrant." The distillery has dedicated three years to KAORU's development, and their commitment allows them to offer you the opportunity to enjoy aromatic shochu at a reasonable price point. KAORU is Vegan and carries the Geographical Indication of "Kuma Shochu."
Taking inspiration from "3-stage brewing process" in Japanese sake production, Takahashi Shuzo added a third stage to what is usually a 2-stage mash preparation for shochu. This additional stage involves dividing the second batch of steamed rice to be added to the mash into two portions, and allowing each addition to ferment over two different time intervals. By doing so, they are able to control the rapid temperature rise in the mash and successfully extract the maximum potential of the "Ginjo aroma."
KAORU can be enjoyed a variety of ways. Try mixing KAORU with club soda or seltzer in a 1:3 ratio and garnish with lemon slices for a fragrant and refreshing drink. KAORU can also be enjoyed in more traditional preparations, such as mixed with ice and water, mixed with hot water, on the rocks, or straight.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pairs well with a wide range of cuisines, including but not limited to Western, Chinese, and Japanese.
Awards: Monde Selection - Gold Award 2020
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Kome, Otsu-rui, Honkaku Shochu
Main Ingredient: Rice, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji Kin
Distillation Method: Vacuum, Single
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 25% (50pf)
Size: 1800ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Crafted specifically for the modern bartender, Iichiko Saiten is a flavorful and rich barley shochu perfect for the global cocktail scene. Sanwa Shurui maximizes the umami and flavors in Iichiko Saiten by using only traditional barley koji, , and tuning the ABV content to a desirable 43%. Saiten's (彩天) name is translated as "colorful heavens/skies" and embodies the colorful and varied expression this shochu imparts on the drinker.
On the nose, Iichiko Saiten is redolent of honeydew melon, white grape, pickled watermelon rind, and kabosu citrus alongside hints of soy, white pepper, and rich nutty barley notes. On the palate, Iichiko Saiten has a strong start and a long finish. It exudes rich umami notes of jasmine tea, white peach, minerals, and earth with some citrus and a saline finish that beckons another sip. Its layered, complex flavors offer exciting options for mixing in cocktails.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pairings will vary based on the cocktail created with Iichiko Saiten.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Barley
Type of Koji: White Koji
Distillation Method: Atmospheric, Pot, Single
Aged: Less than 1 year
ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Has an expansive and savory aromas of oak, incense and spiced vanilla and mulled pear, with a smooth and round mouthfeel and the elegant gentle flavors of cacao and honey. The distiller team at Iichiko worked to develop new yeast strains and experimented with aging conditions in order to bring fans of Iichiko this beautiful and expressive new bottling.
Overview
Food Pairings: Stir Fry, Chocolate, Octopus Carpaccio, Vanilla Ice Cream, Aged Cheeses
Awards:
2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition（IWSC） Gold/Trophy/Outstanding
2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition（SFWSC） Gold/Best Shochu
2020 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition（TWSC） Superior Gold
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Barley and Barley Koji
Type of Koji: Barley Koji
Distillation Method: Vaccum
Aged: 3 Years
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Made with local ingredients from Kagoshima, the sweet potato is mashed and fermented using white koji mold and yeast, and the fermentation process is managed at a low temperature below 20 degrees Celsius which leads to a refreshing and citrusy flavor.
*This product was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2009. "Issho Silver (Black)" used koji mold and yeast that have been cultivated and survived for 100 years since the company's establishment in honor of its 100-year history. On the other hand, "Issho Bronze (White)" was brewed using beer yeast as a new approach for the next 100 years. It was test-sold only in 720ml bottles for 3 months from November 2010 and officially launched for sale in August 2011, including 1-liter bottles. The number of products produced is limited, so only a limited number of retail stores nationwide handle it.
Overview
Food Pairings: Prosciutto and smoked salmon
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Sweet Potato
Type of Koji: Akita Konno White Koji
Distillation Method: Atmospheric DistillationAged: 180 days
ABV: 25%
Size: 720ml
Tasting Notes
This sophisticated spirit distilled from rice is triple-barrel aged in American White Oak, Cognac, and Sherry casks to produce a robust and woody aroma. A gentle finish lingers with rich umami.
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat Dishes, American Fare, Pan-European Cuisine, Dark Chocolate
Awards: Monde Selection 2014 - Top Gold Medal
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Otsu Rui
Main Ingredient: Rice, Rice Koji
Type of Koji: White Koji
Distillation Method: Vacuum Distillation
Aged: 6 Months ~ 10 Years
ABV: 24% (48pf)
Size: 200ml, 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
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