IICHIKO Super "Blue Bottle" (720 ml)

   Shochu is another indigenous Japanese alcoholic drink alongside sake and umeshu. Unlike sake it is distilled, not brewed, with the alcohol level usually between 25-45%. Its popularity is highest in southern Japan where the weather is considerably warmer. Sake calls for cool temperatures, but Shochu can be distilled in these warmer climes. Shochu is made from one of several raw materials including sweet potato, rice, buckwheat and barley; each of which gives a very distinct flavour and aroma much like the varying tastes of scotch whiskey.