Japan

Hoppy – postwar nostalgia in a bottle

April 19, 2015 by Stephen 2 Comments

How do you describe Hoppy? The straightforward, technical way, is an ultra-low proof (<1% ABV) malt liquor from Japan. But that doesn't come close to what Hoppy really is.

Operation Maou

December 8, 2011 by Stephen 2 Comments

It is important to have singleness of purpose. One clear goal. An achievable, yet worthy objective. But for our upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve felt more than a little overwhelmed with potential avenues to explore: neighborhoods, cuisines, izakayas, shochus, craft beers. Really, so much to explore in a relatively short visit that the prospect is almost overwhelming.

Now, thanks to a tip from @AussieinJapan, we will have one primary aim. To find and drink Maou (魔王焼酎), which he describes as “the King of Shochus.”

It’s not available in the U.S. Maybe we can change that. If it is as good as he claims, I have a feeling there will be a bottle or three coming home with me.… Read More “Operation Maou”

Tasting Notes: The SG Shochu MUGI

The SG Shochu MUGI wraps several barley shochu identities into one. It's lightly barrel-aged and carries the associated sweet notes. But there's also a graininess that is revealed when the temperature of the drink drops. It's a versatile barley shochu that can be enjoyed a variety of ways.

iichiko silhouette

This iichiko silhouette is probably the most common Japanese shochu currently available in the United States. In NYC I’ve seen it in random mom & pop liquor stores as the only shochu among a shelf of sake options. It’s most commonly available in 750ml bottles, though I’ve seen other sizes in other countries. This is a great starter shochu, which is why I’ve chosen it for my first tasting note. It was my introduction to shochu back in 2008. I’d had Korean soju before, but Japanese shochu is a strikingly different (and better) experience.

Tasting Notes: Lento Shochu

Lento is the top selling kokuto shochu in Japan, and it is available internationally as well. Try it on the rocks or with sparkling water for a refreshing taste of the Amami Islands. Kanpai!

Tasting Notes: The SG Shochu IMO

The SG Shochu IMO is a clear invitation to create the classic imo cocktail. If you get it right, it will resonate and cascade around the world until you can't not have sweet potato shochu on your menu if you consider yourself a proper drinking establishment.