{"title":"Indian Summer of Shochu","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tomino-hozan-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Tomi no Houzan Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile having an earthy nose typical of an \u003cem\u003eimo \u003c\/em\u003e(sweet potato) shochu, this also has a delicate side thanks to the floral fragrance of the yellow koji used during fermentation. Enhance the buttery texture of this shochu by mixing it \u003cem\u003eoyuwari \u003c\/em\u003estyle with hot water.\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 Kagoshima, Japan by Nishi Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 83% \u003cem\u003eimo\u003c\/em\u003e (sweet potato) and 17% \u003cem\u003ekome koji\u003c\/em\u003e (rice koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Yellow (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Nishi Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":2182975619082,"sku":"05-300-0030","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/tomino_hozan_front.jpg?v=1518830249"},{"product_id":"kiccho-hozan-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Kiccho Houzan Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eComing to us from Kagoshima imo giant Nishi Shuzo, this shochu sports an earthy aroma and silky medium body owing to traditional clay-pot aging and fermentation with black koji. Try this on-the-rocks with gyoza, or \u003cem\u003eoyuwari\u003c\/em\u003e style for extra comfort on a cold night. Ask for the special \u003cem\u003emaewari\u003c\/em\u003e preparation of this luxurious shochu at the Umami Mart Bar for a decadent treat. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shochu benefits greatly from a small amount of dilution to round out the aromas, so try a 3:2 (shochu to water) ratio in all preparations. \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 Nishi Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 83% sweet potatoes and 17% rice \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV 25% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.4 fl oz (750 ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Nishi Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31512402952271,"sku":"05-300-0014","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/kiccho_hozan.jpg?v=1584737597"},{"product_id":"hakuten-hozan-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Hakuten Houzan Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFrom Kagoshima's famous \u003cem\u003eimo\u003c\/em\u003e (sweet potato) shochu distillery Nishi Shuzo, meet \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/products\/tomino-hozan-imo-shochu-btl-25-oz\"\u003eTomi No Hozan\u003c\/a\u003e's shy nephew, Hakuten. Sporting a buttery mouthfeel and flirty floral nose, this shochu is a delight floated on some soda and ice with a plate of \u003cem\u003etsukemono \u003c\/em\u003e(pickles).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlog Recipe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/matcha-catechin-shake\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMatcha Catechin Shake\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 83% imo (sweet potato) and 17% kome (rice)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji Type: White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Kagoshima, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24% ALC\/VOL\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Nishi Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31687560495183,"sku":"05-300-0008","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/hakuten_houzan.jpg?v=1580409658"},{"product_id":"yamatozakura-sweet-potato-shochu-btl-750ml","title":"Yamatozakura Sweet Potato Shochu (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis is Yamatozakura's house brand - this flagship imo (sweet potato) shochu is made using local Kagoshima Koganesengan sweet potatoes and white rice koji. This is the quintessence of hand-made Satsuma Shochu (Kagoshima sweet potato shochu). Get pleasant, well-rounded earthiness and sweetness, with notes of black pepper and tropical fruit on the nose and palate. This is perfect shochu for any occasion - enjoy it on the rocks, \u003cem\u003emizuwari\u003c\/em\u003e (with ice and water), or\u003cem\u003e oyuwari\u003c\/em\u003e (cut with hot water) to experience the different characteristics of this drink. Experiment with food-pairings as well! Kayoko loved this one on the rocks with chinese food. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/yamatozakura-sweet-potato-shochu?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=dad0a5ba5\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eCheck it out on Shochu'sday\u003c\/a\u003e! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThose of us who have enjoyed shochu in Japan (or those of us who commit hours of time checking out \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kosedo.liquors\/\"\u003ebars and liquor stores in Kyushu\u003c\/a\u003e on Instagram) will no doubt recognize the iconic branding of Yamatozakura. Master Distiller Tekkan-san runs one of the smallest distilleries in Kagoshima, specializing in white koji and clay-pot fermentations which ultimately lead to very drinkable, high-quality shochus that are affordable and great with all types of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRead about Ian's visit to Yamatozakura \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/blogs\/main\/shochu-maker-highlight-yamatozakura-shuzo\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTekkan-san has a small team of local obaasan and ojiisan (grandmas and grandpas) who deftly cut and clean the sweet potatoes by hand and assist in steaming, bottling, and labeling the shochu. Follow their Instagram \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/yamatozakura\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e for a glimpse into their Kagoshima shochu-stylings. You may also get to catch the occasional live-stream of their shochu-making process come distilling season! We hope you enjoy these shochus as we celebrate their American debut.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Kagoshima, Japan by Yamatozakura Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from Koganesengan imo (sweet potato) and kome (rice)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: white (rice) \/ Distillation: atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eKame \u003c\/em\u003e(clay pot) fermented and matured\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Yamatozakura Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39877539758159,"sku":"05-300-0046","price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/yamatozakura_white.jpg?v=1649364699"},{"product_id":"nankai-white-oak-kokuto-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Nankai White Oak Kokuto Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" color=\"#000000\"\u003eThis is the newest expression from Nankai Shochu, stateside keepers of Amami Kokuto Shochu. Get all of the tropical fruit and mineral you'd expect from Nankai but with added depth, florals, and long finish thanks to White Oak barrel aging. This would make a spectacular highball or shochu Old Fashioned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" color=\"#000000\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Kagoshima, Japan on Amami Island by Machida Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlend of shochus distilled from 80% kokuto (black sugar) and kome koji (rice koji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: White (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum and atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrels: American White Oak and French Limousin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 3 to 5 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Machida Syuzo Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40170373972047,"sku":"05-400-0012","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/nankai_white_oak.jpg?v=1689206750"},{"product_id":"helios-kura-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Helios Kosyu Kura Awamori (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHelios Distillery has more than 3,000 white oak barrels used exclusively for the Kura Awamori brand, and the \u003cem\u003egenshu\u003c\/em\u003e (undiluted distillate) rests in these for over three years before eventual dilution and bottling for the awamori you have before you today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGet enticing aromas of chocolate cake (the boxed kind) and powdered sugar, with notes of vanilla, bing cherry, and graham cracker on the palate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSnag this affordable and refreshing awamori today and promptly enjoy on the rocks or with soda in the sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Helios Distillery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% rice\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003ekoji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric (copper still)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrels: American white oak\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: over 3 years \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Helios Distillery Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40597250179151,"sku":"05-500-0012","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/koshu_kura.jpg?v=1681169884"},{"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":"kura-no-shikon-green-imo-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Kura No Shikon Green Imo Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis one is for sake lovers! Thanks to the white wine yeast, it does indeed drink like a crisp Australian Sauvignon Blanc and has strong floral, ginjo sake vibes. Definitely gets us excited for springtime!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e: Green apples, melon, lemon peel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Casa de Kei chirashi, Louis salad, chips + salsa\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService Style\u003c\/strong\u003e: Soda, rocks\u003c\/span\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 Komasa Jozo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from: Kogane Sengan Sweet Potato\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: white \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Komasa Jyozo Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40795618476111,"sku":"05-300-0076","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/032025_thegreen_product_afb19eb6-c63d-4185-b75a-2e966ac31dee.jpg?v=1743634950"},{"product_id":"kura-no-shikon-pink-imo-shochu-btl-720ml","title":"Kura No Shikon Pink Imo Shochu (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuicy and bold, this shochu made using red wine yeast pairs well with rich foods and dessert! You could also drink it neat as a digestif. Fujita-san recommends subbing The Pink for rum in a Mojito so go wild.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flan, yellow nectarine, brown sugar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Grilled satsuma age (fish cake), Italian pork chops, almond cake\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soda, rocks, Shochu Mojito\u003c\/span\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 Komasa Jozo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from: Beni Sweet Potato\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ 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":"Komasa Jyozo Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40795618574415,"sku":"05-300-0077","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/032025_thepink_product_c267739c-cbfc-4f5b-9c98-9a7aab92cb26.jpg?v=1743634928"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/umamimart.pro\/collections\/summer-of-shochu.oembed","provider":"Umami Mart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}