Your First Shochu, Your First Encounter with Kouzou Shuzo
~ A Drop of Tradition in Your Daily Life~
1.
What Kind of Drink is Shochu?
Shochu is actually a much freer and more enjoyable spirit than you might expect.
It is a distilled spirit born from Japan’s rich natural environment,
made from local ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, and rice—capturing the blessings of the land.
Its charm lies in how the unique character of each ingredient shines through in both its aroma and flavor,
offering depth and approachability.
With a slightly higher alcohol content (around 25%),
one of shochu’s best features is that you can adjust the flavor to your liking
—by mixing it with water, hot water, or soda to create your perfect drink.
Whether paired with meals or enjoyed during a relaxing moment before bed,
one of the most enjoyable things about shochu is its versatility: you can change how you drink it to match your mood or the occasion.
2.
Why Shochu is Loved by Beginners
“Is shochu difficult to get into?”
Not at all.
While some may imagine it as “a strong drink with a distinct taste”, or “a drink only mature adults can appreciate”, today’s shochu reveals a new, approachable side:
✓ Fragrant and fruity aroma
✓ Smooth mouthfeel with a hint of natural sweetness
✓ Smooth mouthfeel with a hint of natural sweetness
Additionally, many shochu varieties are sugar-free and purine-free, making them an excellent option for those who care about beauty and health.
In fact, their popularity has been steadily growing among women in their 20s and 30s, as well as those new to shochu.
3.
What Defines Kouzou Shuzo’s Commitment?
At Kouzou Shuzo, rooted in Osumi Peninsula of Kagoshima Prefecture, we have been faithfully preserving our unchanging traditional brewing methods since our founding.
Kametsubo Fermentation and Aging
Unglazed clay pots used for shochu fermentation are buried underground to mature slowly at the natural temperatures.
This process creates a mellow aroma and a deep, rich flavor.
Unfiltered and Coarse-Filtered
By minimizing filtration, we preserve the true essence of the raw ingredients to the fullest.
That is why Kouzou’s shochu offers a profound aroma and a clear, pure taste.
4.
Three Perfect Shochu Picks for First-Time Drinkers
Not sure where to begin? These three bottles are perfect for your first sip
-Kouzou- A gentle introduction to sweet potato shochu.
It features a mild sweetness and rich depth combining for a smooth and rounded finish.
-Genjirou- A great choice for your first taste of barley shochu.
It perfectly balanced between a toasty aroma and a clean, crisp flavor.
-Mukshi Katagi- For those curious about rice shochu.
It offers the gentle sweetness unique to rice, with a light and easy-drinking profile
5.
Various Ways to Enjoy Shochu—Discover Your Favorite Style
Shochu’s charm lies in how its flavor completely change depending on the way you drink it.
Discover the style that suits you best!
-With Soda- Refreshing and invigorating! A perfect choice to enjoy with meals.
-With Water- Great for those who want to savor the aroma, with a gentle, smooth taste.
-With Hot Water- Ideal for chilly nights. Brings out the full aroma of the ingredients.
-On the Rocks- A bold, direct expression of flavor. Perfect for sipping slowly and savoring its rich aroma.
The world of shochu is freer and more enjoyable than you might imagine.
Even a single thought like “Maybe I’ll give it a try”
can be the first step on your shochu journey.
We hope Kouzou Shuzo’s shochu becomes a gentle part of your everyday life.
Your First Shochu,
Your First Encounter with Kouzou Shuzo
~ A Drop of Tradition in Your Daily Life~
1.
What Kind of Drink is Shochu?
Shochu is actually a much freer and more enjoyable spirit than you might expect.
It is a distilled spirit born from Japan’s rich natural environment, made from local ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, and rice—capturing the blessings of the land.
Its charm lies in how the unique character of each ingredient shines through in both its aroma and flavor,offering depth and approachability.
With a slightly higher alcohol content (around 25%),one of shochu’s best features is that you can adjust the flavor to your liking—by mixing it with water, hot water, or soda to create your perfect drink.
Whether paired with meals or enjoyed during a relaxing moment before bed, one of the most enjoyable things about shochu is its versatility: you can change how you drink it to match your mood or the occasion.
2.
Why Shochu is Loved by Beginners
“Is shochu difficult to get into?”
Not at all.
While some may imagine it as “a strong drink with a distinct taste”, or “a drink only mature adults can appreciate”, today’s shochu reveals a new, approachable side:
✓ Fragrant and fruity aroma
✓ Smooth mouthfeel with a hint of natural sweetness
✓ Gentle on the stomach and leaves you feeling refreshed the next day
Additionally, many shochu varieties are sugar-free and purine-free, making them an excellent option for those who care about beauty and health.
In fact, their popularity has been steadily growing among women in their 20s and 30s, as well as those new to shochu.
3.
What Defines Kouzou Shuzo’s Commitment?
At Kouzou Shuzo, rooted in Osumi Peninsula of Kagoshima Prefecture, we have been faithfully preserving our unchanging traditional brewing methods since our founding.
Kametsubo Fermentation and Aging
Unglazed clay pots used for shochu fermentation are buried underground to mature slowly at the natural temperatures.
This process creates a mellow aroma and a deep, rich flavor.
Unfiltered and Coarse-Filtered
By minimizing filtration, we preserve the true essence of the raw ingredients to the fullest.
That is why Kouzou’s shochu offers a profound aroma and a clear, pure taste.
4.
Three Perfect Shochu Picks for First-Time Drinkers
Not sure where to begin? These three bottles are perfect for your first sip:
-Kouzou-
A gentle introduction to sweet potato shochu.
It features a mild sweetness and rich depth combining for a smooth and rounded finish.
-Genjirou-
A great choice for your first taste of barley shochu.
It perfectly balanced between a toasty aroma and a clean, crisp flavor.
-Mukshi Katagi-
For those curious about rice shochu.
It offers the gentle sweetness unique to rice, with a light and easy-drinking profile.
5.
Various Ways to Enjoy Shochu
—Discover Your Favorite Style
Shochu’s charm lies in how its flavor completely change depending on the way you drink it.
Discover the style that suits you best!
-With Soda-
Refreshing and invigorating! A perfect choice to enjoy with meals.
-With Water-
Great for those who want to savor the aroma, with a gentle, smooth taste.
-With Hot Water-
Ideal for chilly nights. Brings out the full aroma of the ingredients.
-On the Rocks-
A bold, direct expression of flavor. Perfect for sipping slowly and savoring its rich aroma.
The world of shochu is freer and more enjoyable than you might imagine.
Even a single thought like “Maybe I’ll give it a try” can be the first step on your shochu journey.
We hope Kouzou Shuzo’s shochu becomes a gentle part of your everyday life.
※Underage drinking is prohibited by law.
We do not accept purchases or inquiries from anyone under 20 years of age.
