{"title":"Shochu Gumi Archives","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"zuisen-hakuryu-kusu-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Zuisen Hakuryu Kusu Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\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\"\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-002-rice-in-shochu-march-2020\"\u003eMarch 2020\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAwamoris must be made in Okinawa, with rice and black koji, and tend to be very grassy, herbal, and funky. Quite honestly, it’s been challenging to find good awamoris in the States. Often, I’ll try an awamori here and they are overpoweringly alcoholic, unbalanced, and sorry to say, unpleasant. This may be the nature of Indica rice, along with the pungent black koji, and why there is such a rich history of agin awamoris in Okinawa – to mellow out flavors over time. So it was no surprise that Hakuryu, made with a blend of aged awamoris (the oldest being 8 years old!) is as smooth and easy as it comes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eNutty, carmely, with a sweet potato-like earthiness, I love this awamori with its long, dry finish, best served on the rocks\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eor \u003cem\u003emizuwari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(with ice water). Pair with rich protein dishes\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003elike my favorites from Albany’s Lao Thai Kitchen: raw beef larb, Nam Kao salad, Lao sausage, and red duck curry. The spicier, the better!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Zuisen Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% long grain koji rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25.9% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Zuisen Distillery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31765144895567,"sku":"05-500-0004","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/zuisen.jpg?v=1594763366"},{"product_id":"kougin-no-sasayaki-ginjo-barley-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Kougin No Sasayaki Ginjo Barley 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\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" 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 Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-005-stay-home-with-shochu-december-2020\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDecember 2020 \"Stay Home With Shochu\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsing local Nishiboshi barley from Naokawa Village that is polished down to 50%, Kougin no Sasayaki is a unique shochu with a nutty, spicy bouquet. Made in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eginzukuri\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e method, meaning slow fermentation at a low temperature for a longer period. Get notes of cocoa nibs and vanilla, as well as earthy, savory undertones with a long finish. This is delicious \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eoyuwari\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-style (with hot water) alongside \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/simple-donabe\"\u003echicken tsukune nabe with Yoko’s Garlicky Gomadare\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHere's our recipe for a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-005-stay-home-with-shochu-december-2020\"\u003eMartini cocktail variation\u003c\/a\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 Oita, Japan by Bungyo Meijyo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003emugi\u003c\/em\u003e (barley) milled to 50%, and \u003cem\u003emugi koji\u003c\/em\u003e (barley koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 28% \/ Koji: White (barley) \/ Distillation: Vacuum \/ Yeast: Ginjo Yeast #4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bungo Meijyo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32625006575695,"sku":"05-100-0012","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/kougin_no_sasayaki.jpg?v=1605231693"},{"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":"jakuunbaku-barley-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Jakuunbaku Barley Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" 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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-010-female-frontrunners-march-2022\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-010-female-frontrunners-march-2022\"\u003eMarch 2022 \"Female Frontrunners\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-010-female-frontrunners-march-2022\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-010-female-frontrunners-march-2022\"\u003e.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe name Jakuunbaku is a word play on a tantra by Aizen Myo, a Buddhist wisdom king. Aizen Myo is known for passion and connection between people, thus, Nishiyoshida hopes to connect to people with this shochu. Ark refers to Dainichi Nyorai, the sun Buddha. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUsing underground water from the local Hamuname River, nijo barley from Australia, and black koji, Ark Jakuunbaku is made in the muroka (unfiltered) style. Get a spectrum of flavor: dried apricots, honey, and brownies – and even some spicy black peppercorns and nutmeg. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEnjoy \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eon the rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eoyuwari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (with hot water) to bring out the milk chocolate notes. Yoshida, who specializes in food and nutrition, has provided us with a few recipes like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003enikumiso\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (meat miso dip) and more. Check them out on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-pairing-niku-miso-by-kyoko-yoshida-of-nishiyoshida-shuzo?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=993f14766\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Fukuoka, Japan by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNishiyoshida Shuzo \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% \u003cem\u003eMugi\u003c\/em\u003e (barley) and \u003cem\u003emugi koji\u003c\/em\u003e (barley koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24-25% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: 2- 5 yrs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessels: Enamel Tanks\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":32885169913935,"sku":"05-100-0008","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/ark_jakuunbaku.jpg?v=1653519875"},{"product_id":"mizu-sakura-barrel-aged-barley-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Mizu Sakura Barrel Aged Barley Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\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\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-006-aging-shochus-in-saga-march-2021\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarch 2021 \"Aging Shochus In Saga\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMunemasa began aging their shochus in wood barrels 33 years ago. And now, b\u003c\/span\u003eehold, the very first shochu to be aged in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003esakura\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(cherry) wood casks! After resting for nine months in these barrels, this mugi shochu is bright, with creamy cherry notes and weighty texture of butterscotch. This shochu uses an extra step in its production of pressing the grain, which enhances the fruitful, smooth flavor profile. We loved this\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eon the rocks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewith\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003epasta bolognese\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ekaraage\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(Japanese fried chicken), and as an after sipper,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eneat\u003c\/b\u003e, with Marou 70% Chocolate from Vietnam. \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 from 67% \u003cem\u003eKirameki Nijo Omugi\u003c\/em\u003e (barley) and 33% \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Saga, Japan by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMunemasa Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eABV 35% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBarrels: 100% sakura casks by renowned \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/ariakesangyo.co.jp\/en\/\"\u003eAriake Sangyo\u003c\/a\u003e in Kyoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAge: 9 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBatch: 002\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Munemasa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32897165819983,"sku":"05-100-0022","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/mizu_sakura.jpg?v=1613517508"},{"product_id":"mizuho-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Mizuho Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\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 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\" data-mce-selected=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\"\u003eJune 2021\u003c\/a\u003e .\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI dare you to open this bottle and not finish it all in one night! What I love about awamori is its unique aroma, thanks to the liberal use of black koji – this bottle exemplifies this greatly with notes of Swiss Miss hot chocolate, rice candy, and butterscotch; yet the palate remains crisp. Mizuho has been making awamori since 1848, “Making koji by hand, brewing and distilling it carefully, and aging it slowly,” said Mr. Akira Nakazato of the company. Drink this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eon the rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e with many friends, around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKorean BBQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or the next \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebackyard smokeout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e on a hot summer night.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Mizuho Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice \u003cem\u003ekoji\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV: 20% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39307601936463,"sku":"05-500-0006","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/mizuho.jpg?v=1629427243"},{"product_id":"chuko-ryukyu-kusu-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Chuko Ryukyu Kusu Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJune 2021 \"Awamori Bazaar\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSince 1949 Chuko has been making awamori, and what sets them apart today is the on-site kiln used to fire the clay pots for making kusu. In 2007, Chuko discovered the technology to extract yeast from mangos, and have released various renditions of awamori utilizing this yeast. Mr. Yasufumi Tokuda of Chuko said, “Mango yeast does not create a specific flavor, rather it creates 4-Vinyl Guaiacol (4VG), which creates a strong vanilla aroma during the maturation process.” Get fig leaf, Milk Duds, and soy sauce on the nose; enjoy this complex nectar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emizuwari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (with water) with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eoysters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esteak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eneat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e in a wine glass for dessert with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebutter cookies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebrownies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. It also makes an excellent Martini!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Chuko Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 43% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric \/ Yeast: Mango \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: 3 years minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: stainless steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chuko Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39307606065231,"sku":"05-500-0007","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/chuko_awamori_sq.jpg?v=1619997273"},{"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":"chingu-black-iki-barley-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Chingu Black Iki Barley Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\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\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-011-iki-barley-shochu-island-june-2022\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-011-iki-barley-shochu-island-june-2022\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJune 2022: \"Iki: Barley Shochu Island\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eChingu\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeans friend in local Iki dialect, as well as in Korean – which makes sense as Iki Island served as an important trade hub between Japan and Korea historically. In fact, Busan is only a seven hour ferry ride away! Omoya Shuzo was founded in 1924, and in 2018 the distillers scouted the island to find the best water source and rebuilt their brewery there to make \u003cem\u003esake\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eshochu\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis bottle was the impetus for our Shochu Gumi June 2022 theme – we loved the rich \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003etexture and dynamic flavor profile. Get milk chocolate, panna cotta, and pink Mamba candy on the nose, and the complex palate is at-once smooth and earthy. Enjoy the minerality, maitake mushrooms, and honeydew profile with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeef Wellington \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorean BBQ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. President Yuzo Yokoyama of Omoya Shuzo recommends drinking this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewith tonic water\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eoyuwari\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estyle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled on Iki Island, Japan by Omoya Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled from 67% \u003cem\u003emugi (\u003c\/em\u003ebarley) and 33% \u003cem\u003ekome\u003c\/em\u003e (rice)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: Black (\u003cem\u003ekome-koji\u003c\/em\u003e) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: 2 years in enamel tanks\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":39571888537679,"sku":"05-100-0026","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/chingu.jpg?v=1660338117"},{"product_id":"xl-akarui-nouson-sweet-potato-shochu-isshobin-btl-1750ml","title":"XL Akarui Nouson Sweet Potato Shochu Isshobin (BTL 1750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-style: italic;\"\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 This is a \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem style=\"font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-005-stay-home-with-shochu-december-2020\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDecember 2020 \"Stay Home With Shochu\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've died and gone to shochu heaven! We've finally gotten our hands on the first isshobin (1.8L bottle) bottlings of shochu to grace our shores. Previously only available for sake, these large bottle formats contain 2.5 standard bottles worth of shochu and are perfect for keeping around for entertaining, sharing with large groups, or just to have a trusty bottle of shochu around you don't have to worry about checking the levels on so often. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKayoko first had this at Ippuku in Berkeley, so imagine that you’re at a rowdy izakaya having grilled meats with 10 of your friends or colleagues. The fruity nose reminds us of fermented pineapples and tropical fruit. It’s bright and funky and great mixed with soda and a spritz of lime. Food pairings run the gamut, from fries to kimchi and pickles, to tonkatsu. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's our recipe for a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-005-stay-home-with-shochu-december-2020\"\u003eRusty Nail cocktail variation\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e This bottle is an in-store offering only. Due to the size of the bottle, we can not ship this bottle.\u003c\/em\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 Kagoshima, Japan by Kirishimacho Jyoryusho\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 83% \u003cem\u003eKoganesengan imo\u003c\/em\u003e (sweet potato) and 17% \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: black and white blend (kome) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60 fl oz (1750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40004696178767,"sku":"05-300-0056","price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/akarui_isshou.jpg?v=1656546277"},{"product_id":"manzen-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-24-oz","title":"Manzen Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eManzen Shuzo has been located in the mountains of Kirishima for the past 150 years. The company was revived by the current fourth generation president Toshihiro Manzen and they make three shochus (one for each kind of koji) with the\u003cbr\u003epristine Kirishima \u003ci\u003erekka sui\u003c\/i\u003e – waters full of volcanic minerals. Fermentation occurs for about two weeks in the traditional \u003ci\u003ekamejikomi\u003c\/i\u003e style (in vats made out of ceramic) and they use a finicky, labor-intensive wooden still for distillation. The only mechanized step occurs in the steaming of the rice to make the koji.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToji Hiroyuki Manzen-san recommends this shochu oyuwari (at 95 ̊F) with roast beef or torisashi (chicken sashimi), while we enjoyed it on the rocks or mizuwari with a summer vegetable ratatouille or Pollo a la Catalan (chicken braised with wine and dried fruits) from the recent issue of Milk Street. These dishes greatly complemented the fruity (think Hawaiian Fruit Punch!) yet earthy, minerally notes of the shochu. Fun fact: Hawaiian Shochu Company’s Ken Hirata apprenticed at Manzen before opening his distillery on Oahu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kagoshima, Japan by Manzen Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from \u003cem\u003eimo\u003c\/em\u003e (sweet potato) and \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40265674981455,"sku":"05-300-0062","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/manzen_imo.jpg?v=1693512399"},{"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":"seifuku-ryukyu-awamori-jikabi-btl-720ml","title":"Seifuku Ryukyu Awamori \"Jikabi\" (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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\"\u003eThis is a \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in J\u003ca title=\"Shochu Gumi June 2023 Zen Koji\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-015-zenkoji-june-2023\"\u003eune 2023 \"ZenKoji\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged in stainless steel for six months Seifuku is located on the picturesque island of Ishigaki, known for its beef and crystal waters for diving. There are several awamori makers on the island and Seifuku was founded here in 1949. Seifuku’s unique open-fire pot still, called jikabi, is handcrafted by chairman Norihito Kanna (the president's father). This open-fire pot is an ancient method of distilling awamori, and is said to create a better flavor profile for the drink that also ages well. Awamori to me is dessert in a glass. The rich mouthfeel with ripe banana and vanilla notes are so distinct to this Okinawan spirit – it’s the tropics in every sip. What is particular about awamori is that the ABV is quite high compared to shochu, so it really packs a punch with all the malty flavors of the rice and black koji. Great in cocktails or a hot cup of coffee bring a bottle of this to the next yakitori party and serve over lotsa ice and some soda with an orange garnish. I also love sipping on this with a big bowl of anchovy-filled olives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Seifuku Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 30% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Direct Fire Distillation \/ Yeast: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: N\/A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: stainless steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 oz (720ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40582862176335,"sku":"05-500-0011","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/awamori-seifuku-jikabi.jpg?v=1723731243"},{"product_id":"tida-ichinojo-kokuto-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Tida Ichinojo Kokuto Shochu  (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIchinojo is made with 2.5 times the amount of sugar that is normally used for their flagship bottle. Production Manager Hiroyuki Kitei says they change the production depending on the condition of the raw materials and state of fermentation. A sip of Ichinojo is like taking a nose-dive into a bowl of dark raw kokuto sugar, with notes full of chocolate, purple fruit, custard, and roasted bananas. I love this \u003cstrong\u003ewith soda\u003c\/strong\u003e with\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehiyashi\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003echuka\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e (ramen salad)\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ea smothered porkchop with my father-in-law’s beans\u003c\/strong\u003e (ask me for the simple recipe!). Or have a nightcap \u003cstrong\u003eon the rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003ea piece of dark\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003echocolate\u003c\/strong\u003e. This bottle debuted in 2001, and Kitei-san named it Ichinojo (first brew) since it was his first release. All labels are handwritten by Kitei-san.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled on Amami Island Japan by Asahi Brewery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from Estate grown \u003cem\u003ekokuto\u003c\/em\u003e (black sugar) andThai rice\u003cem\u003e koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric age \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: Enamal tanks 1-2 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Asahi Shuzo Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40679179845711,"sku":"05-400-0013","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/tida_ichinojo.jpg?v=1690660993"},{"product_id":"ouka-song-of-praise-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Ouka 'Song of Praise' Sweet Potato 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\u003cspan\u003eMade with handmade koji and a sweet potato called Tama Akane that is grown on Kuroki Honten’s farm, this a variety that is radiant orange in color has a high level of beta carotene. About Ouka, Kuroki-san says, “it is a valuable shochu because the potato is dicult to steam and the amount of alcohol that can be removed is small.” With strong notes of black tea, orange blossoms and vanilla (Celestial Seasoning’s Mandarin Orange Spice Tea, anyone?), this aromatic shochu brightens in any service style, even cocktails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFood Pairing:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eButtermilk fried chicken\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/recipe\/grilled-dungeness-crab\"\u003eCamino Grilled Crab\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHow to Drink:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSodawari (with club soda and ice)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOyuwari (with hot water - see below)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGimlet Cocktail: 2oz Ouka, 0.5oz lime, 0.5oz simple syrup. Shake for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e10-15 seconds, pour into a coupe, garnish with lime peel.\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 by Kuroki Honten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 80% \u003cem\u003eimo\u003c\/em\u003e (sweet potato) 20% \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 3 years in clay pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Kuroki Honten","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40742520258639,"sku":"05-300-0074","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/ouka_imo.jpg?v=1701540961"},{"product_id":"tama-akane-hozan-imo-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Houzan Jyosen Tama Akane Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis bottle is the fourth in a series of bottles by Nishi Shuzo (who you may know as maker of the famous \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/products\/tenshi-no-yuwaku-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-750ml\"\u003eTenshi No Yuwaku\u003c\/a\u003e) highlighting different single-variety sweet potatoes, and adjusting its soil environment to bring out its maximum flavors. Bright orange in color, the Tama Akane potato is high in beta carotene and is known to be difficult to steam so yield is low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shochu pairs really well with all kind of teas, not just oolong, thanks to the rich tea aromas of the shochu. There are excellent notes of bergamot (Earl Gray) but we also got the salinity of sencha on the tailend.\u003cbr\u003e\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 Nishi Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003elocally grown Tama Akane sweet potato \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: White \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Nishi Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40795618410575,"sku":"05-300-0075","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/092024_shg_Hozan_Jyosen_Tama_Akane.jpg?v=1727986315"},{"product_id":"takujo-taimei-barley-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Tokujo Taimei Barley Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\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 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\" data-mce-selected=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-019-sodawari-june-2024?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=42b8a6272\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eJune 2024 \"Sodawari\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne whiff of this shochu will transport you in front of the campfire, with its rich, fragrant aromas of cereal and toasted grain. Run by third generation President Junichiro Fujii, he and two other staff members make shochus by hand, all while chanting “美味しくなーれ!美味しくなーれ!” (become delicious!). Take this bottle with you to your next bbq party, along with a few liters of club soda, and everyone will be clamoring for another round. For me, I can’t wait to sip this on my annual Yuba River camping trip.\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\"\u003eMade in Oita, Japan by \u003cspan\u003eFujii Distillery \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e100% two-row barley grown locally or in Saga\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged in enamel tanks from 6 months to a year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Fujii Distillery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40882771918927,"sku":"05-100-0042","price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/tokujo.jpg?v=1716419922"},{"product_id":"shirayuri-inui-44-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Shirayuri Inui 44 Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\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 alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca title=\"Shochu Gumi No. 18 March 2024\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-018-march-2024?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=b8ce15405\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMarch 2024\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYu Ikehara\u003c\/span\u003e is making huge waves with the use of Inui – a black koji strain that was long lost after the war. Resurrecting it here in this bottle, the strain \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspergillus Luchuensis aka Inui\u003c\/span\u003e helps create an awamori that incorporates umami, acidity, and depth. It has won several international awards and \u003cspan\u003eis a bombshell of a drink. And dammit, how on earth does it taste like it’s been aging for years?!?? That, my friends, must be the magical, historic Inui mold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Earth, saline, lavender, licorice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cheddar, cioppino, burger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Drink:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sodawari (with club soda and ice).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIkehara Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moscow Mules, Espresso Martinis, and various coffee cocktails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRead Kayoko's visit to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/ikehara-shuzo-ishigaki\"\u003edistillery\u003c\/a\u003e in Okinawa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eIkehara Shuzo is a small Awamori distillery with only three employees. The red-tiled roof of the distillery stands in a quiet residential area in the center of Ishigaki Island, and since its establishment, the Awamori has been produced by three generations of the same family. By preserving the hand-crafted traditions of the old distillery and constantly refining techniques and taste, Ikehara Shuzo’s Shirayuri Awamori stands out as a unique and delicious spirit\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 Okinawa, Japan by Ikehara Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% Thai Long Grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji: Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Atmospheric, Jikabi (Direct flame)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV: 44%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: stainless steel 1 week\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41179050377295,"sku":"05-500-0014","price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shirayuri.jpg?v=1708735112"},{"product_id":"seifuku-vintage-awamori","title":"Seifuku Vintage Awamori","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\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 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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-021-kanpai-to-5-years-w-cocktails?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=6d74acb56\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eDecember 2024 Kanpai to 5 years with Cocktails!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe loved this Awamori when we tried it at Seifuku Distillery earlier this year and had this imported just for our shochu club! This bold Awamori is genshu (tank strength), so you are getting truly unadulterated, real deal flavors of aged Awamori. Taste the island!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eShoyu, clay, citrus pith, brown sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBeef Bourguignon, Taco Rice (see my recipe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/okinawan-taco-rice\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlithe \u0026amp; Bitter Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eby Griffin Dehne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 oz Seifuku Awamori\u003cbr\u003e1 oz Pear Juice\u003cbr\u003e0.25 oz Campari\u003cbr\u003e0.25 oz Lemon\u003cbr\u003e3 dashes Umami Mart Bitters\u003cbr\u003eIf more sweetness is desired, add 0.25 oz simple syrup\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, serve in a coupe.\u003cbr\u003eExpress lemon peel oil over top and garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBartender Pro Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Use awamori in place of tequila.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled by Seifuku Shuzo in Okinawa, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV: 43% \/ Koji: Black \/ \u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Jikabi direct fire \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: 3 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41717651210319,"sku":"05-500-0016","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/seifuku_vintage_sq_c2b9abcd-ffd2-40a9-948b-36ca4c168a03.jpg?v=1739554450"},{"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":"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\/shochu-gumi-archives.oembed","provider":"Umami Mart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}