Great to know!

Shochu varieties

The variety of shochu is sometimes mentioned or listed on the bottle's label.

Genshu
This is literally a raw, original, and undiluted shochu. Genshu has to have an alcohol content of more than 36%. The flavor is somewhat harsh, and it has a very unique aroma and strong taste that is very powerful even when only sipped. This stronger taste is very attractive to some who prefer genshu to regular shochu. Originally genshu has an alcohol level of 36-44% so water will usually be added to reduce the alcohol content to approximately 24-25% for otsu-rui shochu and 35-36% for ko-rui shochu.

Hanatare
Hanatare is a very interesting rare shochu that it is made in only limited quantities. Hanatare is taken initially after distillation and it can be made in quantities of only 2-3% of the total shochu produced. The alcohol content is very high (44%-60%) and it has a strong taste when sipped, but it also has a very concentrated fragrance. Since hanatare has high alcohol content, it will not freeze in the freezer, so you can enjoy its super-chilled and pasty texture.

Koshu
This is an aged shochu, one that is aged more than 3 years. Because of the long aging process, the taste will have an increased umami (flavor) that will become very mild. Longer aged shochu is generally more valuable.

Kame or tsubo shikomi (storing)
Both kame and tsubo are types of pottery barrels often used to store shochu. Placing the shochu into the kame or tsubo makes the shochu taste mild because of the many pores on the surface of the storage vessel. If the label says kame or tsubo shikomi, the product is a shochu that has been stored in a pottery barrel.

back to top

The relationship between shochu and hangovers

Shochu is well known for not causing many hangovers, and this is one of the reasons why shochu has become so popular in Japan. Hangovers are caused by an overabundance of alcohol that the body cannot process. The distilling eliminates many of the impurities and harmful components so that consuming reasonable amounts of shochu will not cause one to suffer a hangover. Just remember not to drink too much.

back to top

Shochu's calorie count!

Shochu is the first fermented and distilled ingredient. In this process, many extracts and minerals have been eliminated with the exception of certain components such as fragrance and flavor. This is why shochu contains smaller amounts of sugar and fewer calories than other liquors. The high alcohol content of shochu makes many people believe it is high in calories. However, shochu calories are absorbed directly as a source of energy and therefore do not become a burden on the body.

back to top