HONOLULU (HI Now) - Shochu is a spirit native to Japan. Many people think that Sake is the thing in Japan, but we (the Japanese) enjoy as much Shochu as Sake in Japan. Sake is brewed like beer and wind, and Shochu is distilled similar to whiskey, vodka, rum, etc. Shochu is often confused with Soju. Shochu is from Japan, and Soju is from Korea. They are totally different just like you compare vodka to tequila
The Japanese usually sip Shochu during the meal. Since Shochu has a drier taste, it pairs well with relatively rich flavored food including Sukiyaki, Teri-chicken, Shoyu-pork, and more. They tend to make it lighter by adding ice as on the rocks, with ice water, with carbonated water so it does not overpower the food you pair with. Since Shochu is a hard liquor, many people enjoy making it into cocktails as well.
Hawaiian SHOCHU Company is basically one man operated company so I do everything. Because I wanted to make Shochu in Hawaii, I became an apprentice under my Shochu Master in Kagoshima, Japan and learned traditional hand-craft Shochu making techniques from him. We use traditional equipment and tools including 150 years old ceramic pots and wooden pot stills, which are rare even in Japan today. Moreover, we are able to use locally grown produce to craft Hawaiian Shochu. Combining Japan’s tradition and Hawaii’s nature makes Hawaiian Shochu very unique.
The main ingredient used at Hawaiian SHOCHU Company is sweet potatoes. Sweet potato Shochu is one of the most popular Shochu in Japan as well. Hawaii grown sweet potatoes produce exceptional Shochu with the distinctive flavor and sweet aroma. In addition to sweet potatoes, we use a variety of local produce such as Jabon, hibiscus flower, ogo limu, mango, calamansi, pineapple and more. I believe that the local produce is not the only reason why Hawaiian Shochu is so special. Things like water, climate, sea breeze, sound of waves, all the beautiful elements of Hawaii make Hawaiian Shochu very special.
You can find NamiHana at selected restaurants and liquor stores such as The Sake Shop in Kakaako and Kadota Liquor Store in Hilo. The limited production items are available at the production site in Haleiwa. For more information, visit www.hishochu.com or email ALOHA@hishochu.com.
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