"Everyone at this distillery must learn how koji mold grows on steamed rice before they can do anything else in the company,” said Mr. Omure, Master Brewer-Distiller of Taikai Shuzo. Wiry and affable, the second generation toji spoke fondly of the young workers he supervises on the floor of the Kanoya, Kagoshima-based distillery. He hopes that they will continue the … [Read more...]
Okuchi Distillery: A Kagoshima Favorite from the Isa Basin
The earliest known written reference to shochu was discovered at Kōriyama Hachiman Shrine in the small valley city of Isa, Kagoshima. Dating from 1559, the reference is actually graffiti, a protest by the carpenters who hid their complaint within the roof’s rafters. They were upset that they were not given any shochu while working on the shrine, a considerable slight since the … [Read more...]