Jikuya White Sochu Sweet Potatoe And Rice

Jikuya White Shochu comes from the Jikuya Distillery at the foot of Mount Shibi in Kagoshima, Japan, a family legend begun in 1910. Its founder set a creed of “powerful taste, even when mixed with hot water,” and that commitment remains. This expression is distilled from about 84 % Annō imo sweet potatoes grown in Kagoshima and 16 % malted rice. The fermentation begins with white koji on rice, lending a delicate floral aroma that defines its character. After primary fermentation in clay pots buried in the distillery floor, sweet potatoes are added in a secondary phase to blend sweet and spicy notes seamlessly.

Once distilled in a single atmospheric-pressure pot still, the spirit is aged in unglazed clay urns for at least three years. This ageing process softens the raw edges and deepens flavor, contributing gentle earthy warmth and mild spice that complement floral highlights and subtle fruit tones. Expect aromas of jasmine, violet and red berry framed by hints of black tea or mocha, with a finish that balances mild pecan pie sweetness and underlying earthiness.

At 25 % ABV, Jikuya White is light and versatile. Its elegant, nuanced profile makes it ideal neat or over ice. It also suits soda water or premium cocktails—its floral complexity works well as a base for spritz-style mixers or reinterpretations like a shochu martini. Critics have lauded it for showing restraint without sacrificing depth, awarding it a 96/100 in Wine Enthusiast for its balance and refined nuance.

This shochu embodies traditional craftsmanship, emotional connection to place, and modern elegance. Whether you know and love imo‑shochu or seek an approachable gateway spirit, it invites a contemplative tasting experience. The lingering floral exhale, earth‑touched finish and gentle spicy warmth linger happily on the palate.

Serve Jikuya White chilled on the rocks to appreciate the floral‑to‑earth shift, or mix with soda for a lightly effervescent experience that preserves its botanical aroma. Its smooth texture and multidimensional flavor make it a thoughtful gift, a refined bar addition or a serene solo sipper. This is Japanese tradition distilled into elegance.