Find Japanese Shochu: Where to Buy This Traditional Spirit

Shochu is a traditional Japanese spirit that has gained popularity outside of its native country. While still not as widely known as sake in North America, many Americans are discovering and enjoying shochu. Takara Sake USA is a renowned producer and distributor of shochu in the United States, making it easy to find and purchase this traditional spirit.

Takara Sake has been making shochu since 1864 and is currently the number one shochu maker and seller in Japan. They supply shochu to wholesalers in America who want to offer this authentic Japanese drink to their customers and patrons. To find shochu near you, the first step is to check with your nearest retailer and request them to stock it for you. Takara Sake’s nationwide distributors are ready to meet the demand. You can also look for shochu at your favorite Asian restaurant.

What exactly is shochu? It is a traditional distilled liquor that dates back to the 15th century in Japan. Similar to sake, shochu uses koji mold to break down starch into glucose, which is then fermented into alcohol. However, shochu can be made from a variety of raw ingredients such as rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, and brown sugar. In fact, there are 55 permitted raw and processed materials for creating shochu. The alcohol content of shochu typically ranges around 25%, making it lower in alcohol than liquors like vodka and gin but higher than wine, sake, or beer.

There are two categories of shochu: honkaku shochu (single distillation) and korui shochu (multiple distillation). Honkaku shochu uses locally-sourced ingredients and often focuses on a single ingredient to retain its authentic flavors. Takara Sake offers rare 100% imo (sweet potato), mugi (barley), soba (buckwheat), and kome (rice) shochu. Honkaku shochu also undergoes a parallel fermentation process and is distilled only once, allowing it to retain the unique flavors and aromas of its base ingredients. On the other hand, korui shochu allows for the use of approved starchy ingredients or molasses and goes through multiple distillation processes, resulting in a clean and refreshing taste.

There are different ways to enjoy Japanese shochu. You can drink it neat, meaning without any additives, similar to brandy or whiskey. Chilling shochu with ice can slightly alter its flavor and provide a refreshing twist. Another option is to drink it warm, not hot like sake, by breaking it with hot water. This makes the drink milder and enhances its savory aspects. Mixing shochu with juice or tea can complement its natural flavors, making it a great summertime option. You can also mix shochu with soda or carbonated water to create a higher alcoholic content beverage akin to a wine spritzer or beer.

For those interested in purchasing shochu, Takara Sake offers a wide variety of shochu products. One of their top recommendations is Iichiko Saiten, a barley-based shochu from Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. It has a higher ABV of 43% and is known for its delicious notes of honeydew melon and white grape. Another popular option is Nankai Shochu, which is made from 80% black sugar and 20% rice. It is vacuum-distilled, resulting in a fresh and clean-tasting spirit that is excellent for cocktails.

Mizu Shochu is crafted from two-row barley and rice and is distilled only once. It offers a rich and floral taste, making it a great choice for those who prefer barley-based shochu. Jinkoo is made from Satsuma sweet potatoes and has a sweet, herbal, and buttery flavor profile. Lastly, St. George California Rice Shochu is an American take on the traditional spirit, made from California rice and distilled through copper stills. It has a crisp and malty taste, perfect for creative cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Takara Sake is a top shochu producer and distributor in the United States.
• Shochu can be made from a variety of raw ingredients and has a lower alcohol content than liquors like vodka and gin.
• There are two categories of shochu: honkaku shochu and korui shochu.
• Shochu can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, warm, or mixed with other beverages.
• Takara Sake offers a wide variety of shochu products, including Iichiko Saiten, Nankai Shochu, Mizu Shochu, Jinkoo, and St. George California Rice Shochu.

Discovering the World of Shochu

What exactly is shochu? It is a traditional distilled liquor that dates back to the 15th century in Japan. Similar to sake, shochu uses koji mold to break down starch into glucose, which is then fermented into alcohol. However, shochu can be made from a variety of raw ingredients such as rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, and brown sugar. In fact, there are 55 permitted raw and processed materials for creating shochu. The alcohol content of shochu typically ranges around 25%, making it lower in alcohol than liquors like vodka and gin but higher than wine, sake, or beer.

There are two categories of shochu: honkaku shochu (single distillation) and korui shochu (multiple distillation). Honkaku shochu uses locally-sourced ingredients and often focuses on a single ingredient to retain its authentic flavors. Takara Sake offers rare 100% imo (sweet potato), mugi (barley), soba (buckwheat), and kome (rice) shochu. Honkaku shochu also undergoes a parallel fermentation process and is distilled only once, allowing it to retain the unique flavors and aromas of its base ingredients. On the other hand, korui shochu allows for the use of approved starchy ingredients or molasses and goes through multiple distillation processes, resulting in a clean and refreshing taste.

For those interested in purchasing shochu, Takara Sake offers a wide variety of shochu products. One of their top recommendations is Iichiko Saiten, a barley-based shochu from Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. It has a higher ABV of 43% and is known for its delicious notes of honeydew melon and white grape. Another popular option is Nankai Shochu, which is made from 80% black sugar and 20% rice. It is vacuum-distilled, resulting in a fresh and clean-tasting spirit that is excellent for cocktails.

Mizu Shochu is crafted from two-row barley and rice and is distilled only once. It offers a rich and floral taste, making it a great choice for those who prefer barley-based shochu. Jinkoo is made from Satsuma sweet potatoes and has a sweet, herbal, and buttery flavor profile. Lastly, St. George California Rice Shochu is an American take on the traditional spirit, made from California rice and distilled through copper stills. It has a crisp and malty taste, perfect for creative cocktails.

These shochu brands can be found at local or online retailers. Takara Sake also provides an online ordering option through their website. It’s essential to check the availability in your market and find a liquor store or restaurant/bar near you that stocks the desired shochu brand.

Exploring Different Types of Shochu

There are two categories of shochu: honkaku shochu (single distillation) and korui shochu (multiple distillation). Honkaku shochu uses locally-sourced ingredients and often focuses on a single ingredient to retain its authentic flavors. Takara Sake offers rare 100% imo (sweet potato), mugi (barley), soba (buckwheat), and kome (rice) shochu. Honkaku shochu also undergoes a parallel fermentation process and is distilled only once, allowing it to retain the unique flavors and aromas of its base ingredients.

On the other hand, korui shochu allows for the use of approved starchy ingredients or molasses and goes through multiple distillation processes, resulting in a clean and refreshing taste.

If you’re looking for a shochu with a unique flavor profile, honkaku shochu might be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a clean and refreshing taste, you may want to try korui shochu.

When searching for Japanese shochu where to buy, it’s essential to consider the different types available and to find a reputable source like Takara Sake to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.

Enjoying Shochu in Various Ways

There are different ways to enjoy Japanese shochu. Neat, the drink is traditionally served at room temperature in a small ceramic cup called an o-choko. When sipped slowly, it reveals a complexity of flavors that can be appreciated by the connoisseur.

Another way to enjoy shochu is on the rocks. The ice cools down the spirit, slightly altering its flavor and providing a refreshing twist. For those who prefer a milder taste, shochu can also be served warm by breaking it with hot water, giving it a savory aspect that can be enhanced with food.

Mixing shochu with soda or carbonated water is a popular way to create a higher alcoholic content beverage, akin to a wine spritzer or beer. Mixing shochu with juice or tea complements the natural flavors of the spirit, making it a great summertime option. It’s best to experiment with different mixers to find the perfect shochu cocktail that suits your palate.

Whatever your preference, shochu provides a unique and authentic taste experience that can be enjoyed in different ways.

Recommended Shochu Brands to Try

For those interested in purchasing shochu, Takara Sake offers a wide variety of shochu products. One of their top recommendations is Iichiko Saiten, a barley-based shochu from Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. It has a higher ABV of 43% and is known for its delicious notes of honeydew melon and white grape. Another popular option is Nankai Shochu, which is made from 80% black sugar and 20% rice. It is vacuum-distilled, resulting in a fresh and clean-tasting spirit that is excellent for cocktails.

Mizu Shochu is crafted from two-row barley and rice and is distilled only once. It offers a rich and floral taste, making it a great choice for those who prefer barley-based shochu. Jinkoo is made from Satsuma sweet potatoes and has a sweet, herbal, and buttery flavor profile. Lastly, St. George California Rice Shochu is an American take on the traditional spirit, made from California rice and distilled through copper stills. It has a crisp and malty taste, perfect for creative cocktails.

These shochu brands can be found at local or online retailers. Takara Sake also provides an online ordering option through their website. It’s essential to check the availability in your market and find a liquor store or restaurant/bar near you that stocks the desired shochu brand.

Japanese shochu for sale is relatively easy to find if you know where to look. With Takara Sake, you can explore a wide range of shochu brands and enjoy this traditional Japanese spirit in various ways. We recommend trying out different shochu flavors or mixing them into a cocktail for a unique and authentic taste experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shochu is a traditional Japanese spirit that is gaining popularity worldwide. Takara Sake, the leading shochu producer and seller in Japan, offers a wide range of shochu products that can be purchased through local or online retailers. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, warm, or mixed with other beverages, shochu provides a unique and authentic taste experience. So if you’re looking to buy Japanese shochu, Takara Sake is the go-to source.

FAQ

Q: Can I buy Japanese shochu online?

A: Yes, there are online retailers where you can purchase Japanese shochu. You can also check Takara Sake’s website for online ordering options.

Q: Where can I find Japanese shochu for sale?

A: You can find Japanese shochu for sale at local liquor stores and Asian restaurants. You can also check with your nearest retailer and request them to stock it for you.

Q: What is the difference between honkaku shochu and korui shochu?

A: Honkaku shochu uses locally-sourced ingredients and undergoes a single distillation process to retain authentic flavors. Korui shochu allows for approved starchy ingredients or molasses and goes through multiple distillations, resulting in a clean taste.

Q: How can I enjoy shochu?

A: Shochu can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, warm, or mixed with other beverages. You can also mix it with juice, tea, soda, or carbonated water for different flavor profiles.

Q: What are some recommended shochu brands to try?

A: Some recommended shochu brands to try are Iichiko Saiten, Nankai Shochu, Mizu Shochu, Jinkoo, and St. George California Rice Shochu. These can be purchased at local or online retailers.