Japanese Shochu

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
• ABV: 17%
• Size: 720 ml

This special and limited edition Yaki Imo Shochu, bottled exclusively for MIZUNARA, showcases the delicate flavors of grilled sweet potato. With an ABV of 17%, it allows the rich, roasted sweet potato notes to come through on the mid to back palate, complementing a variety of foods without overpowering them.

Serving Recommendation:

• Serving Style: Enjoy this shochu chilled, much like a white wine, for a refreshing experience. Serve in a white wine glass to enhance its aroma and taste.
• Pairing: Perfectly suited to be paired with a variety of dishes, its subtle sweetness and earthy flavors make it a versatile addition to any meal.

This Shochu offers a unique and refined drinking experience, bringing out the natural essence of sweet potato in a light and elegant way.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Miroku Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 720 ml

Juo, Mugi Shochu is a premium spirit crafted from locally grown barley in Kitsuki City, Oita, Japan. Distilled under atmospheric pressure, this shochu reflects the unique terroir of its region, showcasing the dedication to quality and tradition inherent in Miroku Shuzo's production methods.

The resulting spirit is smooth yet perfectly balanced, offering an inviting profile that highlights the natural flavors of barley.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of fresh dough and cereal greet the senses, reminiscent of a bustling bakery, providing a warm and comforting introduction.
• Palate: On the palate, expect a harmonious blend of malty notes accompanied by subtle hints of ripe pear, which add a refreshing touch.
• Finish: The experience culminates in a delightful finish of dark chocolate, creating a rich and satisfying aftertaste that lingers beautifully.

Serving Suggestions:
Juo, Mugi Shochu is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It is particularly excellent as a Shochu Highball, where its smooth character shines. This shochu pairs exceptionally well with seafood and tempura, enhancing the flavors of these dishes while providing a refreshing contrast.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 720 ml

Shochu, a distilled spirit gaining global popularity akin to sake, is represented here by Okubo Shuzo's flagship product, crafted in Kagoshima, Japan. This particular bottling is made from baked sweet potato (Yaki Imo) and black rice malt.

Awards: HKIWSC Silver in 2018 and 2019.

Region: Amami Oshima, Japan
Distillery: Yayoi Shochu Brewery Co.
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml or 1800ml

Yayoi Shochu Brewery, founded in 1922, is the oldest brewery in Amami Oshima. The representative label of Yayoi series. It deliver a host of flavours on your palate starting with a gentle sweetness and umami notes through the mid palate. You can casually enjoy it with any kind of meal.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 720 ml

Samurai No Mon is crafted using a unique blend of sweet potatoes, prominently featuring the “Genji-imo” variety, combined with a special breed of rice that dates back to the Samurai era. This rice has been meticulously bred for the first time in 154 years from just 7 grams of rice seeds, resulting in a truly exceptional spirit.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Deep umami aroma with floral undertones.
• Palate: Slightly sweet, crisp, and delicately spicy, presenting a complexity that lingers beautifully.
• Finish: Gentle and easy to drink, making it perfect for various serving styles.

Enjoy Samurai No Mon straight, on the rocks, or in an Oyuwari (with hot water), which enhances its rich aroma and flavors. It pairs exceptionally well with fried fish and meat, spicy dishes, and even sweet desserts.

Awards:

• HKIWSC Silver 2018
• HKIWSC Bronze 2019
• Los Angeles International Spirits Competition Silver 2018

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 720 ml

Kikoji Ookubo is crafted from baked sweet potato and yellow rice koji. Traditionally, original Kagoshima shochu was made using Kikoji (yellow koji), known for its unique and exceptional flavor. This bottling represents the distillery's pride, inheriting the age-old traditions of shochu production.

Its rich yet subtle character is attributed to the special yellow koji, where the initial sweetness gracefully transitions into a complex and intriguing finish.

Accolades:

• Awarded Silver at the HKIWSC 2018
• Awarded Silver at the HKIWSC 2019
• Awarded Gold at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition 2018

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Ookubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: Available in 720 ml or 1800 ml

This limited edition release from the craft distillery in Kagoshima showcases the unique qualities of Murasaki (Purple) Imo, known for its high anthocyanin content, which is rich in antioxidants. The sweet potato's deep purple flesh shines through in this shochu, imparting a delicate aroma reminiscent of sake or white wine.

Tasting Notes:
The shochu presents a beautifully nuanced palate with sweet, floral notes, providing a refreshing experience that highlights the distinct characteristics of the Murasaki Imo.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 720ml or 1800ml

Beni Haruka Yaki Imo is a limited edition shochu crafted using Kome (rice) koji and the unique "Beni Haruka" breed of sweet potato, which is baked to enhance its natural sweetness. This exclusive release from Okubo Shuzo captures the essence of its ingredients, resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavor profile. The Beni Haruka sweet potato features a spindle shape with red-purple skin and yellow-white flesh, known for its moist texture and refreshing sweet taste.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of baked sweet potato with hints of earthiness and subtle sweetness.
• Palate: A velvety mouthfeel that delivers flavors of rich, roasted sweet potato, complemented by a creamy sweetness and delicate rice notes.
• Finish: A smooth and warming finish, leaving a lingering sweetness that invites another sip.

• Region: Amami Oshima, Japan
• Distillery: Yayoi Shochu Brewery Co.
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 900 ml or 1800 ml

Founded in 1922, Yayoi Shochu Brewery is the oldest brewery in Amami Oshima. "Mankoi" refers to the act of beckoning and carries meanings of "inviting," "welcome," and "thousands of customers."

Tasting Notes:
This shochu is aged in oak barrels, which helps to mellow out any astringent flavors and enhances its rich umami character. The rising aroma is complemented by a delightful sweetness on the palate.

Mankoi Kokuto is best enjoyed chilled with ice or diluted with water, making it a versatile choice for both casual sipping and special occasions.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Miroku Shuzo
• Age: 3 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of The HACHI Shochu, Barley (Mugi), Cask Matured, a remarkable collaboration with Miroku Shuzo, a family-owned craft distillery in Oita, Japan. This unique spirit is made from locally sourced barley cultivated in Kitsuki and Usa, both in proximity to the distillery.

Production Process:
Single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure, this Honkaku Shochu retains the rich flavors of its primary ingredient. Batch 2 is matured for approximately 3 years in refill ex-rum casks, imparting additional layers of complexity and flavor to the original spirit.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A complex bouquet with a balanced mix of sweet barley, complemented by hints of figs, raisins, and plums, along with coconut milk candy and oak spices.
• Palate: Begins with a sweet profile that swiftly evolves into salted caramel, revealing salty undertones, dark chocolate, and oak spices, culminating in a dry yet lingering finish.
• Finish: A dry yet lingering finish, leaving a subtle warmth and a pleasant echo of oak and sweet barley.

Discover the captivating depth of The HACHI Shochu, where traditional craftsmanship meets innovative maturation.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Yayoi Shochu Brewery Co.
• Age: 3-5 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

Experience the unique flavors of The HACHI Shochu, Brown Sugar (Kokuto), Cask Matured, a collaboration with Yayoi Shochu Brewery, a family-owned craft distillery located on the Amami Oshima Islands in Kagoshima. This exceptional spirit, crafted by Hacchan, brings together the rich tradition of shochu with the art of cask maturation.

Production Process:
Made from high-quality brown sugar sourced from various producers in Okinawa, along with Thai Mai (Thai Rice) White Koji, this Honkaku Shochu is single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure to preserve the inherent flavors of the base ingredients. Batch 1 consists of a blend of 3-5 years old Kokuto Shochu, aged in refill and recharred virgin American White Oak casks, adding depth and complexity to the spirit.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma presents an intricate bouquet of sugarcane sweetness, fresh fruits like green apples, pear, and mint, beautifully balanced with subtle hints of salted caramel and oak spices.
• Palate: The initial sweetness transitions gently into savory, umami-like notes, culminating in a finish enriched with pepper, spices, and a touch of dark chocolate.
• Finish: A smooth and lingering finish that elegantly balances the sweetness with spice and earthiness, leaving a rich and satisfying aftertaste.

Embark on a flavor journey with The HACHI Shochu, where traditional ingredients and modern maturation techniques create a truly captivating spirit.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Ookubo Shuzo
• Age: 2 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

THE HACHI SHOCHU, Sweet Potato (Imo), Virgin Oak Matured is a collaborative effort with Ookubo Shuzo, a family-owned farm distillery in Kagoshima, and Hacchan, who has embraced whisky cask maturation techniques. This exceptional shochu is crafted from Kogane Sengan, a fluffy sweet potato variety known for its delightful aroma and golden skin color. Single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure, it qualifies as Honkaku Shochu, ensuring the preservation of the sweet potato's inherent flavors.

Batch 2 consists of a vatting where 90% of the shochu has matured for about 2 years and 10% for approximately 2 months in Virgin Oak. This maturation process retains the original spirit's flavor while adding an extra dimension of complexity to the nose, palate, and finish.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Straw, Hay, Light Gold
• Nose: A vibrant bouquet of fresh fruits, moscatel, lychee, reminiscent of a sparkling white wine, complemented by notes of cream soda and fresh mint, all with a subtle sweetness.
• Palate: An initial sweetness harmonizes with fresh mint, cream soda, cereals, and spices like cloves and cardamom, finishing with hints of oak and dark chocolate.
• Finish: A smooth, lingering finish that marries the sweet potato essence with warm oak notes and a delicate spice, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.

Discover the unique profile of The HACHI Shochu, Sweet Potato (Imo), Virgin Oak Matured, Batch 2, where traditional craftsmanship meets innovative maturation for a truly exceptional tasting experience.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Ookubo Shuzo
• Age: 4 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

Introducing The HACHI Shochu, Sweet Potato (Imo), Cask Matured, a unique collaboration with Ookubo Shuzo, a family-owned farm distillery in Kagoshima, and Hacchan, who has incorporated whisky maturation techniques into the shochu-making process. This exquisite spirit is crafted from Kogane Sengan, a delectable variety of sweet potato known for its fluffy texture, delightful aroma, and golden skin.

Production Process:
Single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure, this Honkaku Shochu retains the true flavors of the underlying sweet potato. Batch 3 has been matured for approximately 4 years and 4 months in ex-Brandy casks, allowing it to preserve the spirit’s origin while enhancing its complexity.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A captivating aroma of sweet caramel and butterscotch mingles with fruit cake, enriched by notes of cherries and raisins, rounded off with hints of oak spices.

• Palate: The palate opens with the initial sweetness of candied orange, complemented by hints of caramel and toffee. The oak spices create a balanced backdrop, allowing the sweet potato shochu’s essence to emerge with notes of peach and lychee, providing a delightful finish.

• Finish: A rich, lingering finish that showcases the interplay between the sweet potato and brandy influences, leaving a warm sensation of caramel and subtle fruitiness, perfectly balanced with a touch of oak.

Embark on a flavorful journey with The HACHI Shochu, Sweet Potato (Imo), Brandy Cask Matured, where the traditions of shochu meet the artistry of cask maturation for a truly remarkable tasting experience.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Miroku Shuzo
• Age: 3 - 4 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

Discover the exquisite flavors of The HACHI Shochu, Barley (Mugi), Cask Matured, a unique collaboration with Miroku Shuzo, a family-owned craft distillery in Oita, Japan. This exceptional spirit is crafted from local barley grown in Kitsuki and Usa, both located near the distillery.

Production Process:
Single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure, this Honkaku Shochu preserves the rich flavors of its primary ingredient. Batch 3 is matured for approximately 3-4 years in refill white oak casks, enhancing the spirit with additional complexity and depth.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma opens with a delightful blend of vanilla, honey, fresh fruits, and oak spices, accompanied by fresh pencil shavings. As it develops, hints of wet dough and caramel candy sweetness from the barley (mugi) emerge.
• Palate: Begins with notes of vanilla and honey, intertwined with oak, evolving into a delightful profile of toasted raisin bread with a generous amount of nuttiness, subtle smokiness, and spices.
• Finish: A smooth and lingering finish, balancing the sweetness of caramel and the warmth of oak, leaving a satisfying aftertaste that invites another sip.

Embark on a tasting journey with The HACHI Shochu, where traditional craftsmanship meets innovative maturation for a truly remarkable experience.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Ookubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 19%
• Size: 720 ml

THE HACHI SHOCHU, Umeshu, Sweet Potato (Imo) is a remarkable collaboration with Ookubo Shuzo, a family-owned farm distillery in Kagoshima, and Hacchan, dedicated to highlighting Shochu as a hidden gem of Japan. This Umeshu exemplifies a unique blend, layering flavors over the original spirit for a truly exceptional tasting experience.

This expression combines Koshu Yaki Imo Shochu, crafted from baked Kogane Sengan—a fluffy and aromatic sweet potato—and baked Annou Imo, a naturally sweeter variety with yellow flesh and high viscosity. Using Kuro (Black) Koji, this Honkaku Shochu is single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure and aged for over 10 years, complemented by delicious Kanjuku (ripened) Nanko Ume plums from Kagoshima.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Gold
• Nose: A distinctive aroma of Imo Shochu, showcasing the underlying sweet potato with hints of smoked almonds.
• Palate: The initial sourness of the Ume is beautifully balanced with sweetness, presenting a syrupy texture that evokes nostalgic memories of fruit jelly snacks, with the shochu subtly lingering in the background.
• Finish: A smooth, fruity finish that lingers on the palate, leaving a delightful aftertaste of sweet potato and plum, inviting you to savor each sip.

Indulge in The HACHI Shochu, Umeshu (Nanko Ume), Sweet Potato (Imo) for a delightful exploration of flavors that celebrate the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Nakamoto Sake Brewery Co., Ltd
• Age: 7 Years
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

Introducing The HACHI Shochu, Rice (Komekasu), Cask Matured, a remarkable collaboration with Nakamoto Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., a historic distillery located in Nara, Japan, with roots dating back to 1727. Known for their exceptional Junmai, Junmai Ginjo, and Junmai Daiginjo sake, Nakamoto utilizes the fermentation rice mash leftover after pressing out the sake, known as Kome Kasu or Sake Kasu.

Production Process:
This often-overlooked by-product, typically containing an ABV of around 8-13%, is single distilled under vacuum pressure to preserve the intrinsic flavors of the underlying rice. The spirit is then matured for approximately 7 years in Refill Virgin Oak casks, enriching it with layers of complexity and character.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma unfolds with a sweet scent of freshly cooked Japanese rice, mochi cream, and fresh green apple, complemented by tropical notes of melon, guava, and banana. Subtle undertones of honeycomb and grapefruit add further depth.
• Palate: The experience begins with initial sweetness, revealing fresh vanilla and honey reminiscent of oak maturation, balanced by fresh apricots, sour plums, and dark chocolate. The flavors evoke the essence of a fruity and dry sake, with the rice character prominently showcased alongside additional layers contributed by the cask maturation.
• Finish: A smooth, lingering finish that balances the sweet and fruity elements with a touch of oak spice and a subtle earthiness, leaving a refined and satisfying aftertaste.

Indulge in the unique experience of The HACHI Shochu, Rice (Komekasu), where traditional sake-making techniques meet innovative maturation, crafted for a delightful journey through flavor.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 37%
• Size: 720 ml

Kanpou translates to "Sweet Treasure," and this Shochu embodies its name. As a Koshu Genshu, it is matured for over three years in tanks and bottled at cask strength without any dilution. This traditional method involves topping up the tank with new genshu each year, resulting in a harmonious blend that captures the full taste of its rich aroma.

The key ingredients include Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes and Black Rice Koji, contributing to a velvety mouthfeel with intense sweet potato fruity flavors. This makes it an ideal drink to savor on the rocks, allowing the complex notes to unfold beautifully with each sip.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma is rich and inviting, showcasing pronounced sweet potato notes complemented by hints of vanilla and earthy undertones.
• Palate: On the palate, the flavor is beautifully layered, with a smooth and creamy texture. The sweetness of the sweet potato is balanced by subtle hints of spice and roasted nuts, creating a well-rounded experience.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a warm, fruity essence that lingers pleasantly, making you crave another sip.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Okubo Shuzo
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 25%
• Size: 1800 ml

Shochu is a distilled spirit that is becoming increasingly popular globally, similar to sake. This bottling is crafted by the artisanal distiller Okubo Shuzo in Kagoshima, Japan, and represents a special bottling for the Tohoku Project. It is made using two different sweet potato varieties—Baked Tama Akane and Kogane Sengan—along with Ki-Kome Koji (Hitomebore from Miyagi Prefecture) and distilled under atmospheric pressure.

As a Honkaku Shochu, it showcases the fruitiness reminiscent of tropical and citrus fruits derived from Tama Akane, balanced by the rich depth of Kogane Sengan and rounded off by the unique Koji. The roasted sweet potato contributes a richer aroma, creating a harmonious blend that highlights the essence of the ingredients.

Recommended Ways to Drink: While there are many ways to enjoy it, we suggest:

1. On the rocks - to savor its rich flavors.
2. With sparkling soda water - to showcase the refreshing fruity notes.
3. With hot water - for a comforting experience.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Inviting aromas of roasted sweet potato with hints of tropical fruits and subtle earthiness.
• Palate: A delightful combination of fruity notes, including citrus and tropical nuances, complemented by the rich sweetness of roasted sweet potato.
• Finish: A smooth and warming finish with lingering sweetness and a touch of spice, inviting you to take another sip.