Ultimate Shochu
Shochu is a traditional Japanese liquor that is derived from fermented Rice, Sweet Potato, or grain which is then distilled. It is typically quite a bit stronger than Sake, which is (usually) filtered and not distilled. The flavor is heavily influenced by the ingredients, with the rice versions having a purer flavor. On my last trip to Japan I received a very high quality bottle of Shochu from my friend's family, which I chose to save for my birthday.
As is typical of Japanese merchandizing, the packaging was as exquisite and detailed as the product itself. The bottle was made from hand glazed stoneware with silk tassels and a pure cork stopper. This variety was rice based and charcoal filtered to give it an extremely mild and subtle flavor. I shared it with friends at my favorite local Sushi restaurant. When I go to Japan, I make a point of going to a large liquor store that specializes in Japanese alcohol called Shochu Authority. I usually get a kind of fairly cheap Shochu that is flavored with Shiso leaves that I'm unable to find in the US.
Recently my friend's company closed a restaurant that had a large inventory of Shochu and Sake that had been opened and was no longer salable. We happily collected about 30 different kinds and brought them home for further research!
Posted on July 17, 2006 5:39 PM
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Hello. I'd love to try some of this liquor. Too bad I live in a small town in Missouri where it'd be very hard to come by.
Posted by: Mr. Tangent
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July 19, 2006 7:00 AM 