Mizu Saga Barley is a honkaku shochu from Saga Prefecture, Japan, single distilled from two-row barley and black koji rice and bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV).
Mizu is a honkaku shochu, meaning genuine or authentic: it is handcrafted and single distilled in the traditional Japanese way. These methods of shochu making date back to the 16th century and took root in the mountain villages and valleys of Kyushu in southwestern Japan, and Mizu is produced in the small town of Arita in Saga Prefecture, a region ideal for growing both barley and rice.
The recipe is 67% two-row barley and 33% black koji rice, harvested locally within Saga Prefecture, with the pure waters of Black Hair Mountain (Kurokami-yama). Black koji, in contrast to the more common white koji, gives a deeper, more complex shochu. Distilling the moromi mash just one time captures the true essence of the barley and rice, and at 70 proof it is more concentrated than many shochus, like the shochus of old.
Delicate, earthy and lively, it shows a floral, sake-like aroma with notes of banana bread and fresh grains. The texture is buttery, and it drinks a little like a young whisky, with hints of ripe melon and vanilla custard. It has earned 95 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold at the New York World Spirits Competition.
For lovers of both sake and vodka, shochu is a natural crossover. Enjoy it on the rocks with a cucumber or citrus garnish, with soda as a highball, or as a versatile cocktail base.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Floral, sake-like, banana bread, fresh grains.
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Palate: Buttery; ripe melon, vanilla custard.
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Finish: Delicate and earthy.
Specifications
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Producer: Mizu, Arita, Saga Prefecture, Japan
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Style: Honkaku barley shochu, single distilled
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Ingredients: 67% two-row barley, 33% black koji rice
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Water: Kurokami-yama (Black Hair Mountain)
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Proof / ABV: 70 proof (35% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Pour it over ice with a slice of cucumber or a squeeze of citrus, or lengthen it with soda for a crisp Shochu Highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is honkaku shochu?
Authentic shochu, handcrafted and single distilled in the traditional way.
What is it made from?
Two-row barley (67%) and black koji rice (33%) from Saga Prefecture.
How should I drink it?
On the rocks, with soda or in cocktails.
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