If you’re wondering, “what is shochu?,” shochu is perhaps Japan's most popular alcoholic drink. This clear spirit has been made for over 500 years, initially having been made from rice and grain.
If you’re looking to learn more about this wonderful drink, read on to explore everything about this fascinating Japanese beverage.
Satsuma Shuzo Barley Kannoko Shochu 3 Years Aging, 720ml
Understanding Shochu
Shochu is a distilled alcoholic beverage from Japan. This hard liquor typically contains 21 to 35 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). The spirit is clear and colorless, similar to vodka or gin.
Unlike sake, shochu goes through a distillation process. This creates a stronger and cleaner-tasting drink. The production method makes shochu very different from other Japanese alcohols.
Most shochu alcohol has a smooth, clean taste with subtle flavors. The base ingredients determine the final flavor profile. Each type of shochu offers unique characteristics and drinking experiences.
Main Types of Shochu
Sweet Potato Shochu
Sweet potato shochu (Imo Shochu) comes from the Kagoshima region (satsuma shochu). This type has the strongest and most distinctive flavor. The sweet potatoes create earthy and fruity notes.
This variety of shochu alcohol often has a slightly sweet taste with floral aromas. Some versions smell like roasted nuts or tropical fruits. It pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
Barley Shochu
Barley shochu (Mugi) offers a lighter and cleaner taste than sweet potato versions. This type has subtle grain flavors with hints of vanilla. The texture feels smooth and easy to drink.
This variety works well for beginners trying shochu for the first time. It mixes excellently with water or served on ice. Many bartenders prefer this type for cocktails.
Rice Shochu
Rice shochu (Kome) has a delicate and refined flavor profile. This type tastes similar to premium sake but stronger. The rice creates subtle sweetness with clean finishing notes.
This variety is often considered the most elegant option. It pairs beautifully with sushi and other Japanese foods. Some premium versions age in ceramic pots for extra complexity.
How Shochu is Made
Fermentation Process
Shochu production starts with fermenting the base ingredients. Koji mold breaks down starches into fermentable sugars. This process takes several days and is carried out in controlled temperature conditions.
The fermentation creates a low-alcohol mash (or mother mash) called moromi. Different koji strains create different flavor profiles. Black koji produces earthier flavors while white koji creates cleaner tastes.
Nankai Shochu White Oak Kokuto
Distillation Methods
Traditional shochu uses single pot distillation. This method preserves more flavor in the resulting shochu drink from the original ingredients. The process happens at lower temperatures than other spirits.
Some producers use atmospheric distillation for lighter flavors. The distillation method significantly affects the final product. Premium shochu follows strict quality standards and regulations.
How to Drink Shochu
Traditional Methods
Oyuwari is a recipe that mixes shochu with hot water in specific ratios. This method brings out subtle flavors and aromas. The typical ratio is 6 parts hot water to 4 parts shochu.
Mizuwari uses cold water instead of hot water. This creates a refreshing drink perfect for summer weather. Add ice cubes to make it even more cooling.
Modern Serving Styles
On the rocks serves shochu alcohol over ice in a rocks glass. This method preserves the original flavors while chilling the drink. Use large ice cubes that melt slowly.
Chuhai cocktail mixes shochu with flavored sodas or juices. Popular combinations include lemon, grapefruit, and plum flavors. This creates light and refreshing cocktails.
Food Pairings
Japanese Cuisine
Shochu pairs excellently with grilled fish and yakitori. The clean taste doesn't overpower delicate seafood flavors. Sweet potato shochu works especially well with grilled eel.
Sashimi and sushi match beautifully with rice shochu. The subtle flavors complement raw fish perfectly. Avoid strongly flavored varieties with delicate sushi types.
International Foods
Barley shochu pairs well with grilled steaks and barbecue. The smooth texture complements rich meat flavors. Korean dishes work excellently with most shochu types.
Spicy foods benefit from shochu's clean and cooling properties. Thai and Vietnamese cuisines pair surprisingly well. The neutral taste balances hot and spicy flavors.
Calorie Content
Shochu contains fewer calories than many other popular alcoholic beverages. A single serving starts and about 35 calories per 2 oz serving and can range up to 70 depending on type as compared to wine's 70 to 150 calories per 5 oz serving. This makes it attractive for calorie-conscious drinkers.
The distillation process removes most sugars and carbohydrates. Pure shochu contains no additives or artificial flavors. This creates a cleaner drinking experience.
Where to Buy Shochu
Online Options
Online wine and spirits retailers, like Community Wine & Spirits, stock quality shochu options. This allows access to premium brands not available locally. Read reviews and descriptions before purchasing to get a better idea on what you might like.
Some specialty importers focus exclusively on Japanese spirits. These retailers offer expert knowledge and rare varieties. If you prefer trying other spirits for the first time or otherwise, pick from a wide range of quality Asian spirits.
Physical Stores
Soju can be ordered online and picked up in stores like Community Wine & Spirits. In some States, it is also sold in local Asian Grocery stores. If you’re looking for expert help in choosing a quality Soju, Community Wine & Spirits, should be your first choice.
Storage and Serving Tips
Proper Storage
Store shochu in cool, dark places away from sunlight. Room temperature storage works fine for most varieties. Avoid extreme temperature changes that affect flavor quality.
Keep bottles upright to prevent cork contact with alcohol. Shochu doesn't improve with age like wine or whiskey. Consume opened bottles within reasonable timeframes, which is around 2 to 6 months, when stored in a cool, dark place. Just like wine, shochu should also be kept away from direct sunlight.
Serving Temperature
Most shochu tastes best at room temperature or slightly chilled. Refrigeration can mute some subtle flavors in premium varieties. Let chilled shochu warm slightly before serving neat.
Choose appropriate glassware for your serving method. Traditional ochoko cups work well for neat tasting. Rocks glasses suit modern serving styles with ice.
Tan Taka Tan Shiso Shochu, 720ml
Shochu vs Other Spirits
Compared to Sake
Sake is brewed like beer while shochu is distilled like whiskey. This creates completely different flavor profiles and alcohol strengths. Sake has lower alcohol content and sweeter taste.
Shochu offers more variety in base ingredients and flavors. Sake primarily uses rice with subtle variations. Both represent important parts of Japanese drinking culture.
Compared to Vodka
Vodka aims for a neutral taste while shochu preserves ingredient flavors. Premium shochu has more character and complexity than most vodkas. Both work well in mixed drinks and cocktails.
Shochu typically has lower alcohol content than vodka. This makes it easier to drink neat or with simple mixers.
Cultural Significance
Shochu plays an important role in Japanese social culture. Business meetings often include shochu drinking for relationship building. The drink represents hospitality and friendship in many situations.
Different regions of Japan take pride in their local shochu varieties. Kagoshima specializes in sweet potato while other areas produce excellent barley versions. This regional pride drives quality improvements and innovation.
Traditional ceremonies sometimes feature premium aged shochu. Wedding celebrations and business achievements call for special bottles. The drink marks important life events and accomplishments.
Final Thoughts
No matter which type of shochu you choose, follow the right serving rules to enjoy your drink. It’s the perfect choice, whether for a quiet evening or a small gathering with your friends or family.
