Have a look at the Japan Distillery Map and it’s hard to miss the concentration of distilleries in Kagoshima prefecture. There’s the historic Kagoshima Distillery, where Hombo Shuzo made whisky from 1949 until 1984. They returned to making whisky in Kagoshima a few decades later, […]

Wapirits Tumugi claims to be Japan’s first spirit for cocktails. “The UK has gin, Russia has vodka, Cuba has rum, Mexico has tequila. And Nippon has Wapirits,” reads the potentially incendiary marketing copy. “But Whiskey Richard, you cover Japanese gin all the time,” you respond. […]

When Japan’s only independent cooperage decides to release a liquor, I pay attention. “Tarusky” is Kyoto-based Ariake Sangyo’s brand of cask-aged shochu. Tonight we’re drinking from bottle #534 of “Tarusky Premium Blend.” It’s a liquor that blurs the line between whisky and shochu. Inside we find […]

Shochu fans and newcomers alike should have a great time at the upcoming “Tokyo Shochu Rakuten 2018,” on June 24 from 2PM to 4:30PM at Gotanda’s TOC building. Six liquor stores have brought together 48 different distilleries from across Kyushu and Hachijojima, and you can sample […]

Shochu, pronounced shōchū, is Japan’s national distilled beverage. As you learn more about the drink, you’ll discover that one of the varieties of shochu is barley-based. Malted barley, of course, is also the main ingredient in your favorite malt whisky. Does this mean barley shochu is […]

Adventurous! Nihon Shurui Hanbai has announced the release of a wild new barley shochu. The “Taru no Shizuku” (“cask’s drip”) is not only rested in a sherry cask, it’s blended with a 10y aged sherry to give it a distinct amber color and sweet, rich […]

Looks like Nikka has been busy of late. They’ve just announced that later this month they’ll be releasing a barley shōchū dubbed “NIKKA the MUGI SHOCHU.” This is a blended shōchū which is set to take advantage of Nikka’s extensive experience in distillation, aging, and […]