rice

Yoroshiku Senman Arubeshi

January 22, 2012 by Stephen 3 Comments

Yoroshiku Senman Arubeshi (aka, Hakkaisan Sannen Chozo) is a moromi shochu produced by Hakkaisan, one of the most popular sake brands in the U.S. This particular shochu is distilled from raw sake mash (moromi). The only difference between this shochu and one of Hakkaisan’s famous sakes is that it’s distilled instead of brewed.

Akanone Carrot Shochu

January 19, 2012 by Stephen 4 Comments

Distilled carrots? What will the Japanese think of next? Don't let the gimmicky notion get in the way here. This is a legit gem. Quickly becoming one of my favorite shochus.

Bunzo Kome

November 12, 2011 by Stephen Leave a Comment

Bunzo Kome is a polished rice shochu, which, as with other shochus of this style, results in a sweet, mellow drink. There is a light, neutral, slightly alcoholic nose – not much going on at all with the scent of this shochu. The flavor is a sweet first impression, not unlike some sake, and that’s followed by more sweetness – a mellow sweetness. Not quite sugar, but not molasses or honey either.

The Cave King – Gankutsuoh

November 7, 2011 by Stephen 2 Comments

Brand: Gankutsuoh (巌窟王)

Distillery: Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Location: Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan

Grain: 100% polished (to 55%) Japonica rice

koji: unknown

alcohol content: 25%

price: $$$

Tasting Notes

Gankutsuoh is an aged rice shochu, but not in the Awamori style. It uses Japanese rather than Thai rice, polished just as rice is polished in sake production. Once processed and placed into clay jars, this shochu is stored in a cave to age. This gives us its unique name, which means “Cave King” … incidentally it’s very close to the Japanese translation for The Count of Monte Cristo, which made research on this shochu pretty challenging. … Read More “The Cave King – Gankutsuoh”

Mitsuwa Shochu Aisle

November 5, 2011 by Stephen Leave a Comment

Vast shochu selection at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater, NJ. Easily the largest shochu selection I’ve seen outside of Japan. Really impressive selection.

What to choose?!

I came home with:

Gyokuro – a green tea shochu ($28.99)

Jinkoo – a mugi (barley) shochu from the same distiller ($28.99)

Kagemusha – an imo (sweet potato) shochu ($19.99)

Akanone Ninjin – a carrot shochu ($34.99)

Toki No Kokuin – a rice shochu ($24.99)

Enma – a mugi shochu ($29.99)

Akamaoh – an imo shochu ($24.99)

This represents just a small portion of their selection. I see many, many trips back to Mitsuwa in my future.… Read More “Mitsuwa Shochu Aisle”

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