The beautifully fragrant Kuma Shochu that we now know, with all of its botanical aromas and soft sweetness, is actually a relatively recent advancement in the tradition’s long history. Much of this can be attributed to refinements in the ingredients and techniques used to make rice shochu over the past few decades. However, one of the most important changes came in the form of … [Read more...]
Takahashi Distillery – Kumamoto Prefecture
Delicate and Delicious Rice Shochu from the Mountains of Kumamoto Rice shochu is the oldest of the Japanese spirit’s many styles. Its heart beats relentlessly in the Hitoyoshi Basin amidst the mountains of Southern Kumamoto. Impressively, more than two dozen distilleries are creating and sending the celebrated WTO-protected regional indication, Kuma Shochu, to new dinner … [Read more...]
Hitoyoshi Onsen Cocktail Event
Now running in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a multi-bar event showcasing cocktails that have been made with Kuma Jochu (rice). The Hitoyoshi Onsen Cocktail event will run through September 30th, 2016. Drink tickets can be purchased at six different locations in downtown Hitoyoshi, the heartland of the Kuma Jochu appellation. Those tickets can then be used at … [Read more...]