Fine aged Shochu from a legend
 
Shochu is all the rage in the Land of the rising sun, which means it’s literally big in Japan. It’s a diverse distilled beverage, usually from rice or barley, and has a bit more punch than Sake. Now, when it comes to producing this quirky Spirit, the Kuroki Honten distillery is Rocky Balboa. They've been producing Shochu since 1885 - that's when America was only on its 22nd president. They blazed the trail by introducing aged barley Shochu Kodoku no Hyakunen, still the most popular of its kind.
 
This expression is a vanguard in its own right. Named after Kingfisher birds that soar along the alpine stream near the distillery, Yamasemi Shochu is based on rice, which is grown on the distillery's own fields. Fermentation happens with proprietary in-house yeast and the aforementioned pure spring water. They age this Shochu in traditional kame pots that bring the best out of the Spirit: smooth and buttery mellowness with a smoky soul. You'll love it if you enjoy fine Sake, too.