When you think of top quality rice for making Japan’s finer drinks, Southern Kyushu is generally not one of the first regions that comes to mind. There are several active volcanoes in the area, and rice does not grow comfortably in soil with a high ash content. That is part of the reason that Southern Kyushu has become synonymous with sweet potatoes, a vegetable that is happy … [Read more...]
HAVESPI
**Editor's note: HAVESPI has been revamped to include sake coolers and does not have nearly as many shochu and awamori brands as it did when this review was first posted nearly four years ago. HAVESPI is perfect for anyone looking to start or extend their shochu and awamori journey. First and foremost, let's start with a detail that is truly rare. This shochu bar is … [Read more...]
Shochu and Awamori Bar Reviews
NEW! Submit your own review of a shochu bar! Or you can peruse our growing list of restaurant, bar, izakaya, and bottle shop reviews from around the world. The best places to enjoy shochu outside of your home. Select a region: Japan Kagoshima Prefecture Kagoshima City Ishizue (Coming soon!) Oh-ju (Coming soon!) Shizuoka Prefecture Atami Ajikura (Coming … [Read more...]
Showa (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Yakitori and shochu near Higashi-Shinjuku Station. Small and time-weathered interior, but it actually only opened in June of 2014. Very accommodating to non-Japanese customers. Smoking allowed. Counter seats. Two tatami tables (four tops). Reasonable shochu selection with a focus on imo. Sato-san has some bottles that are not normally easy to find, and you can ask … [Read more...]
Gengetsu (Roppongi, Tokyo)
A classy shochu joint not far from Midtown that specializes in all things Miyazaki Prefecture. The shochu selection is very good, and the food options are delightful. There are lots of salads and chicken dishes to choose from, and if you plan to tie one on, then the two hour nomihoudai options are probably worth it. You can select from a number of food course options to go … [Read more...]