KIRISHIMA

KIRISHIMA SHUZO – Heritage Shochu Distillery

Kirishima Shuzo is a traditional honkaku shochu distillery founded in 1916 in Miyazaki prefecture, Kyushu. It is one of Japan and the world’s most renowned distilleries.

Kyushu is the southernmost main island of Japan, that surrounded by the ocean. It is characterized by its warm climate, hot springs, and lush green landscapes. It boasts a huge variety of seafood that draws gourmet connoisseurs not only from all over Japan but also from all over the world.

Kyushu has a rich history touched by many cultures. There are traces of Portuguese and European culture in many local landmarks and works of architecture.

About Shochu

Shochu is a distilled liquor.

It is made by fermenting ingredients to produce alcohol, then further distilling that alcohol until it becomes clear in colour and high in purity. Like nihonshu, or Japanese rice wine, it is a traditional Japanese alcohol.

A common base ingredient for shochu is the satsuma-imo, or Japanese sweet potato, and barley. Both are agricultural specialties of Kyushu. Under these conditions, the shochu industry flourished in Kyushu and the island is now home to Japan’s most famous shochu distilleries.

The origin of shochu in Japan is unknown, but some historians say it may have come to Okinawa, or Kyushu Japan from Thailand or China.

Aka Kirishima

Aka Kirishima is a honkaku shochu made from murasaki-masari purple sweet potatoes, which impart a distinctive fragrance and sweetness. It has an elegant, refined aroma and clear, lingering sweetness.

Kuro Kirishima

Kuro Kirishima is a honkaku shochu made from Kogane Sengan, a type of sweet potato harvested in southern Kyushu, and Kirishima Rekka-sui, a pure and mineral-rich subterranean water with a crisp taste. This shochu is notable for its lush sweetness and crisp palate which come from the use of black rice koji.