Spirited Away Shochu

Sho-chu has always been a staple beverage of the Japanese Social scene.

Sho-chu 焼酎 The Kanji characters are translated as burnt liquour. Grain, most commonly rice, potatoe or buckwheat is fermented then distilled. The process and the taste is very similar to vodka. At 25% alcohol content, it can be enjoyed as a much lighter version of vodka. All the taste of vodka without the baggage. It is truly a friendly spirit.

Most sho-chu is brewed in Southern Japan. Okinawa has its own called awamori.

For a decription of shouchu refer to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shouchu

In the past few years, the shouchu scene has exploded in popularity much like beer and wine in the United States. There has been quite a industry that has blossomed much like microbrew in the US. With the efficient Japanese distribution system, regional sho-chu can be enjoyed anywhere in Japan. This a phoenomenon that should stick. Younger Japanese and women prefer the light alcohol content and the smooth delivery of this spirit over beer (calories) and the venerable whiskey (Old man's drink).

Sho-chu may be served straight. Many drink this spirit like vodka, mixing with grapefruit, on the rocks or straight up.
Some really good mixes that I have had in Japan.
Oolong Tea or green tea.
Sho-chu with a slice of cucumber on the rocks is refreshing.
With a ume.

Iichiko is the most widely distributed label in Japan and in Hawaii. On my 2005 trip to Japan, I ran across a larger bottle than I have seen in Japan. There was a curious label that read shitamachi no Napoleon. The Napoleon of downtown. Napoleon refers to cognac. This is an old version of the bottle and really embodies the true nature of the sho-chu as the common person's alcohol.

On my trip to the Kansai area in 2004, I stumbled across this wonderful shop in the Namba Parks development. The Sho-chu Authority. The shop stocks only sho-chu from across Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido. There are hundreds of different sho-chu ranging in size and the price. It is amazing to see how many different varieties they stock. From small bottles to big bail kegs. Each has its own review and description much like a wine spectator article.

I took a picture of the storefront of the Sho-chu Authority. There is one in Tokyo Station and Shiodome. This is a must stop by shop.

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/authority/info.html