As we did last year, here is a list of the korui and konwa shochu products that were released in 2019. This is a far smaller industry segment when compared with honkaku shochu, the traditional style that people generally think of when talking about shochu. DateBrand + MakerType + ABVVol. + MSRPJan.鏡月 Kyogetsu (label update)Suntory SpiritsUnlisted20% + 25%14 … [Read more...]
2019 Sales Data: Industry Decline Continues
As it does every year, the tax authorities released numbers on how much alcohol was taxed in Japan. Volume measurements are in kiloliters (1 kiloliter = 1,000 liters = 264 gallons). This list does not include every taxable category of alcohol available in Japan. CategoryVolume (kl)vs 2018Shochu Otsurui (honkaku/single-distilled)424,82096.1%Shochu Korui … [Read more...]
Personal Update: Import/Export
This website's contributors have always sought to shed light on the trade and commercial side of the awamori and shochu industry. We have published official data, a seasonal Japanese newsletter, and general interest articles highlighting innovation, international outreach, and opportunities. There's also a lot going on behind the scenes, of course, and much of it is … [Read more...]
Shimazake Festa 2019: Japan’s Premier Awamori Event
If you’re looking to visit Japan in the spring but want to avoid the crowds in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, definitely take a serious look at Naha, Okinawa. Aside from being pretty much as close to a tropical island paradise as the country has to offer, Okinawa boasts activities and excursions for all generations. There are beaches galore, art and music destinations, lots of … [Read more...]
New Korui and Konwa Shochu Products in 2018
This is the official list of new korui shochu (multiply-distilled in a column) and konwa shochu (blended shochu -- korui and otsurui) released last year. This list is adapted from the Japanese government's official numbers as published in May of this year. Brand + MakerCategory + ABVVol. + MSRPMar.かのかKanoka (flavor + label update) --Asahi BeerKo-Otsu Konwa -- … [Read more...]