{"title":"Rice + Kasutori","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"st-george-california-rice-shochu-btl-25-oz","title":"St. George California Rice Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs seen on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/st-george-california-rice-shochu\"\u003eShochu'sday\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne of the few shochus produced in the United States happens to be made right down the street in Alameda, California! Using local \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (lees) from Takara Shuzo in Berkeley, neutral spirit, and then single-distilled in a pot still, this \u003cem\u003ekonwa\u003c\/em\u003e shochu was created for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ramenshop.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRamen Shop\u003c\/a\u003e and bottled at 40% ABV. It's a great shochu for cocktails or highballs. Enjoy an aroma full of cashews and candy cap, while enjoying the pronounced acidity on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMaster Distiller Lance Winters did the art direction for the label; the illustration is by artist Lauren Asta. The design is a mash-up of the California state flag and the national flag of Japan. The kanji below the bear translates as “Ramen Shop Shochu,” and the bear is saying “angry bear sound.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Alameda, California by St. George Spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003eKonwa\u003c\/em\u003e shochu distilled from \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (lees) and neutral spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 40% \/ Koji: yellow (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"St. George Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":2183019331594,"sku":"05-200-0008","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/st_george_shochu_front.jpg?v=1518830104"},{"product_id":"yamasemi-rice-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Yamasemi Rice Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs seen on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/yamasemi-rice-shochu\"\u003eShochu'sday\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreat for sake lovers, this delicate rice shochu is smooth, buttery, and smoky with a hint of umami. Enhance the delicate, ricey aroma by drinking chilled or on ice. This shochu also is aged in \u003cem\u003ekame\u003c\/em\u003e clay pots, giving it some similar aromatic characteristics to \u003cem\u003eawamori. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Miyazaki, Japan at Osuzuyama Distillery by Kuroki Honten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003ehanakagura \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ekome\u003c\/em\u003e (rice) and \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: white (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAging: Aged in clay pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24.3 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Kuroki Honten","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":2183038566410,"sku":"05-200-0010","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/yamasemi_front.jpg?v=1518830514"},{"product_id":"mugon-rice-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Mugon Rice Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged for over 10 years in prized barrels made of \u003cem\u003eKokuji\u003c\/em\u003e (Evergreen Oak), this unique \u003cem\u003ekome\u003c\/em\u003e (rice) shochu offers notes of cashews with hints of vanilla. With a silky body and distinct aromas, enjoy on the rocks or \u003cem\u003eoyuwari\u003c\/em\u003e (mixed with hot water) style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished in 1903, Sengetsu Shuzo specializes in kome shochu, and named for the famed Hitoyoshi Castle in Kumamoto prefecture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kumamoto, Japan by Sengetsu Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled from 100% kome (rice)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 40% \/ Koji: White (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrels: Evergreen oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: Over 10 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30085694914639,"sku":"05-200-0006","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/mugon.jpg?v=1576006004"},{"product_id":"namahage-devil-s-mask-kasutori-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Namahage “Devil’s Mask” Kasutori Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"155\" width=\"79\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" alt=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\"\u003eThis is a \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-008-kasutori-shochu\"\u003eSeptember 2021 \"Kasutori Shochu\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eThis shochu was created in 1983; the \u003cem\u003etoji\u003c\/em\u003e (master brewer) at the time wanted to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003emake something using the \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (lees). After sake \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eis pressed, breweries are left with kasu – sediment in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ecake-like blocks that have about 8% of alcohol left in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ethem. They are able to distill this to make kasutori \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eshochu.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAged in enamel tanks, this shochu is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ecombination of kasu made of different sakes at Akita \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSeishu. Mr. Sasaki describes the flavors of Namahage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eas “wild and dry” which pairs well with summery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003edishes like \u003cstrong\u003ebuffalo mozzarella caprese with heirloom \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etomatoes and avocado\u003c\/strong\u003e, seafood like \u003cstrong\u003enizakana\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eeven richer meals like \u003cstrong\u003emabo tofu\u003c\/strong\u003e. I get Asian pear and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ecoconut on the nose and licorice on the palate. Enjoy \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecold with soda\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Akita, Japan by Akita Seishu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (rice lees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji Type: Undisclosed (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: Enamel tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Akita Seishu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32793670910031,"sku":"05-200-0007","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/namahage.jpg?v=1631229241"},{"product_id":"motoko-8-years-aged-rice-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Motoko 8 Years Aged Rice Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" data-mce-selected=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\"\u003e This is a \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca title=\"Shochu Gumi March 2022 Female Frontrunners\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-010-female-frontrunners-march-2022?_pos=8\u0026amp;_sid=f577d2345\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMarch 2022, Female Frontrunners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMotoko “A Mother’s Legacy” Shochu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe are so lucky to have this shochu stateside, from the famed Furusawa Distillery, which resides in the same building from when they opened in 1892! Furusawa occupies the only dozo building in Miyazaki for shochu-making, an old architectural style of mud walls and timber, and the family also lives there.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ePresident and toji Masako Furusawa of the distillery is the eldest of three sisters. When I asked what her favorite part of shochu-making is, she replied, “The sounds of the boiler, the smell of steamed rice, the warmth and aroma of koji, the sounds and smells of the moromi, the bubbling sounds of distillation, and the smell as it drips off the still.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMade with an endless amount of attention and care, the moromi is fermented in unglazed earthenware vats, and the carefully selected ingredients are distilled one pot at a time using hereditary know-how. Motoko is named after Fususawa’s grandmother; in this bottle, you’ll get a bevvy of flavors, from grape to tay to strawberry and shishito, yet notice a surprising minerality. We really enjoyed this on the rocks with some water, or with soda, alongside a plate piled high with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eanchovy pasta\u003c\/strong\u003e. Furusawa also recommends the drink with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egyoza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003educk hot pot\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMade by Furusawa Distillery in Nichinan, Miyazaki\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDistilled from 100% long grain Thai rice\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eABV 35% \/ Koji: White \/ Distillation: Atmospheric \/ Age: 9 years in ceramic + enamel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Furusawa Jyozo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39430074499151,"sku":"05-200-0015","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/motoko.jpg?v=1671322416"},{"product_id":"sengetsu-rice-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Sengetsu Rice Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-004-the-tropics-september-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=99cefb73f\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" height=\"155\" width=\"79\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-014-female-frontrunners?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=ff7efb204\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMarch 2023 \"Female Frontrunners.\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis bottle is an ideal shochu for those who are just getting to know the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese spirit, and for sake lovers in the mood for something new. A Kuma Shochu (made in Kumamoto with 100% rice and local water), Sengetsu is crisp, light, and perfect on-the-rocks alongside temaki, lemon roasted chicken, and Kenji Lopez-Alt’s radicchio and anchovy salad. In the colder months, we love it warmed up and enjoyed in small ochoko to take in the sweet notes of freshly steamed rice and pineapple. The magic of shochu is that it is distilled, so it showcases the rice here in a completely different way from sake (which is brewed), particularly in mouthfeel with its more lightweight body. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished in 1903, Sengetsu Shuzo specializes in kome shochu, and named for the famed Hitoyoshi Castle in Kumamoto prefecture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kumamoto, Japan by Sengetsu Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled from 100% kome (rice)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: White (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40282673610831,"sku":"05-200-0018","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/sengetsu_kome_product.jpg?v=1687981301"},{"product_id":"noguchi-kasutori-shochu-btl-720-ml","title":"Noguchi Kasutori Shochu (BTL 720 ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Fans of Noguchi's meticulously crafted sakes will be excited to know that yet another limited release has made it to our shores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKasutori shochu is a style made by numerous sake breweries throughout Japan as a way to both reduce waste and also to find new flavor potential for their precious sake lees - the only issue is this shochu is typically made in such small quantities that it rarely makes it out of Japan! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNoguchi hydrates the lees to get a starter mash going and then distills it once by vacuum distillation, applying just enough heat to remove any off-flavors and bring out the richness, complexity, and aromatics of the \u003cem\u003ekasu. \u003c\/em\u003eIt's then filtered and bottled at \u003cem\u003egenshu\u003c\/em\u003e strength for a full body and expansive palate. We get floral aromas of jasmine and lavender, purple sweet tarts, and finger limes. Enjoy this exquisite offering as a highball or on the rocks! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Tokyo, Japan by Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% sake \u003cem\u003ekasu\u003c\/em\u003e (lees) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 42% \/ Koji: yellow (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 fl oz (720 ml)\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40403812024399,"sku":"05-200-0019","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/naohiko_noguchi_shochu.jpg?v=1671322437"},{"product_id":"mellowed-kozuru-excellence-kome-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Mellowed Kozuru Excellence Rice Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-023-the-old-new-june-2025\"\u003eShochu Gumi Selection\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen visiting \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/kanosuke-distillery-kagoshima\"\u003eKanosuke Distillery\u003c\/a\u003e, the sister facility to Komasa, the head distiller of Shunichi Nakamura and I tasted Mellowed Kozuru together in their grand tasting room overlooking the Sea of China. Past bottlings of Mellowed Kozuru are displayed here behind a glass case, as it stands as an inspiration point for the company. Together we tasted Mellowed Kozuru and Nakamura-san mentioned the word \u003cem\u003emattari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to describe it – rounded and relaxed, thanks to the aging. Mellow indeed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/strong\u003e: Vanilla, clove, caramelized banana\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Lamb chops, yakitori, chocolate cake\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService Style\u003c\/strong\u003e: Rocks, soda, Old Fashioned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kagoshima, Japan by Komasa Jyozo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from: Rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eKoji: White \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: New American Oak for up to 3 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV: 41%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Komasa Jyozo Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40795618607183,"sku":"05-200-0021","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/mellowed-kozuru-excellence-700-m.jpg?v=1749136510"},{"product_id":"shigemasu-kasutori-rice-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Shigemasu Kasutori Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/Screenshot_2024-10-08_at_6.51.13_AM_100x100.png?v=1728395481\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shg-sept\"\u003eSeptember 2024\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince 1717, Takahashi has been a sake brewery in Kyushu in an area well known for rice farming. This is the only shochu that they make using sake kasu from their daiginjo and ginjo sakes, and it is no wonder they use yellow koji as that’s what sake is made with (usually shochu is made with black or white koji). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey prize their handmade koji-process as they used to be a koji shop, selling koji to other breweries around town. \u003c\/span\u003eYuko Nonaka of Honkaku Spirits (the importer of this bottle) told me, \"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the koji-making process they use the Futa Koji Method—a traditional technique. A kojibuta is a box-like tool used for dividing the warmed rice koji into smaller portions, a step known as \"mori.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Marshmallows, daiginjo sake, saltwater taffy, kiwi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e “Chee-tara” fish + cheese snack, Macanese-style Portugese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicken in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.saveur.com\/story\/recipes\/macanese-style-portuguese-chicken\/\"\u003eSaveur Magazine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Drink:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e On the rocks or with soda\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Yame, Japan by Takashi Shoten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% daiginjo sake lees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji: Yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Vacuum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV: 30.5%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: 1 year enamel tanks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Takashi Shoten","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42057304211535,"sku":"05-200-0025","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/092024_shg_shigematsu.jpg?v=1727986248"},{"product_id":"musha-gaeshi-tipsy-samurai-honkaku-rice-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Musha Gaeshi \"Tipsy Samurai\" Rice Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTo a degree possibly only achievable as the smallest distillery in Kumamoto (and maybe even in Kyushu entirely), Jufuku Distillery is committed to the kind of meticulous detail and delicately handed craftsmanship evocative of a forgotten Japan. In lieu of large rice processing machines, every step of the shochu making process is done 100% by hand at Jufuku. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eExtremely limited at only 300 bottles, enjoy the slightly toasted notes of vanilla, white flowers, and melon with your own cohort of \"tipsy samurai\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kumamoto, Japan by Jufuku Distillery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji: White \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV: 25%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnamel-lined tank aging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Jufuku Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42126658502735,"sku":"05-200-0027","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/musha_gaeshi.jpg?v=1726171342"},{"product_id":"born-kasutori-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Born Kasutori Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom famed sake brewery, Born has released a fragrant shochu made with lees from Born Daiginjo, a sake made with the finest Yamada Nishiki rice. Get notes of canned Dole pineapples, excellent on the rocks and as a highball. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBrewed in Fukui, Japan by Katoukichibee Shuzo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eABV 40%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Katoukichibee Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42287023095887,"sku":"05-200-0028","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/born_shochu.jpg?v=1749248671"},{"product_id":"dassai-kasutori-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Dassai Kasutori Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eShochu made using sake lees from legendary Dassai Junmai Daiginjo! Notes of papaya, pineapple, and deep clay pot-like minerality throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistilled in Yamaguchi, Japan by Asahi Shuzo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from Kasutori (sake lees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eABV 39%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"JFC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42753648164943,"sku":"05-200-0029","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/dassai_kasutori_shochu.jpg?v=1758058613"},{"product_id":"yuki-ototo-yeti-honkaku-rice-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Yuki Otoko Yeti Kasutori Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAccording to Aoki President Shonosuke Yumoto, this all-star partnership blossomed when the president of Nishiyoshida approached Aoki about distilling their Kakuraei Junmai Ginjo kasu specifically since it is of good quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout kasutori shochu, Yumoto told us, “Other breweries seem to add rice husks, koji, or yeast to the sake lees, but we add nothing but water for our shochu.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tropical fruits, lilies, fresh rain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemaki night, fresh tofu from Joodooboo with banchan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e On the rocks, sodawari\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCocktail:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rusty Nail (3oz Yuki Otoko Shochu, 1oz Drambuie, 1oz black tea)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStir together in a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a whole star anise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Niigata, Japan by Aoki Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (rice lees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji Type: Yellow (rice) \/ Distillation: Vaccum\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 3 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: Enamel Tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 oz (720 ml)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aoki Seishu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42753819017295,"sku":"05-200-0030","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/yuki_otoko_shochu_sq.jpg?v=1756233552"},{"product_id":"brooklyn-kura-kasutori-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Brooklyn Kura Kasutori Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSingle distilled, Kura Shochu follows a 20-day secondary fermentation with white koji. Followed by chill-filtering the liquor, the shochu has a smooth, balanced, subtly umami profile, says Kyle. When asked about the koji, Kyle answered, “Yellow koji gives more characteristic sake ginjo-ka – melony, herbaceous notes, while the white koji unlocks even more flavor from the rice - bringing out chestnut, floral, and cereal grain aromas. I think flavor-wise, we wanted something that stood out from other kasutori shochu, and carried distinct notes of kome shochu as well.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Brooklyn, New York by Brooklyn Kura\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003esake kasu\u003c\/em\u003e (rice lees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji Type: Yellow (rice) \/ Distillation: : \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25 oz (750 ml)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aoki Seishu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43934411882575,"sku":"05-200-0031","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/kura_shochu.jpg?v=1772885305"}],"url":"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/collections\/sake-and-spirits-shochu-rice.oembed","provider":"Umami Mart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}