The HACHI Shochu, Umeshu (Nanko Ume), Sweet Potato (Imo)

THE HACHI SHOCHU, Umeshu, Cask Matured is a collaboration with Ookubo Shuzo, a family owned farm distillery in Kagoshima and Hacchan, who has been singularly focused on showcasing Shochu, a hidden gem from Japan by offering a unique combination and layers of flavors overlaid on the original spirit. This Umeshu is another such example and is a combination of Koshu Yaki Imo Shochu (made from baked Kogane Sengan, a fluffy delicious variety of sweet potato with a lovely aroma and golden skin color and baked Annou Imo, a naturally sweeter variety of sweet potato with a yellow flesh and high viscosity). Kuro (Black) Koji and single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure making it a Honkaku Shochu, which has been aged for over 10 years (i.e Koshu) and some delicious Kanjuku (i.e. ripened) Nanko (refers to the variety) Ume (plum) from Kagoshima. Color: Gold Nose: Distinctive aroma of Imo Shochu, the underlying sweet potato with a hint of smoked almonds. Palate: Initial sourness of the Ume along with the sweetness and the syrupy texture takes us back to our childhood memories of fruit jelly snacks with the shochu in the background and a lingering fruity flavour to finish.

Recommended way to Drink: Straight Up, On the Rocks or as a Highball (3 parts of sparkling water to 1 part The Hachi Shochu).