Kuro-Koji Asahi-Mannen Shochu

Complex Shochu for Scotch lovers

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. The one made from sweet potatoes is also called satsuma-imo Shochu and is currently the most popular among the Japanese.

The Watanabe distillery is led by the fourth generation distiller Koichiro and his grandfather advised him not to make a fuss about the dirt stuck to potatoes. The result of such chillness is a wonderfully rich and deep flavor of the soil present in the Shochu. Asahi Mannen is a peculiar Spirit and its name means “”10,000 years””, celebrating longevity (and turtles, which is awesome). It’s made of 83% estate grown sweet potato and 17% black Koji rice, which gives it its rich aromas and layered flavors. The Watanabe brothers succeeded in creating a true terroir-driven Spirit, giving this Shochu its rich complexity that will also appeal to Scotch lovers.