Discovering Japan’s Sweet Potato Shochu
If you’re keen to explore unique spirits, we’ve got just the right drink for you! Sweet potato shochu is one of those spirits you should have on your radar. It hails from the land of the rising sun, offering a bold and earthy flavour that sets it apart from other popular spirits in Japan like sake or whisky. This drink provides a rich and flavourful traditional experience, allowing you to appreciate every drop. Let’s dive deep into what makes this unique drink so special.
What is sweet potato shochu?
Known locally in Japan as “Imo Shochu,” this spirit is a traditional Japanese distilled drink made from sweet potatoes, unlike its more traditional counterparts that are made out of barley or rice.
Sweet potato shochu has a stronger aroma and more robust taste, making it a favourite among drinkers who seek bold, complex flavours.
How sweet potato shochu is made
Producing sweet potato shochu begins with the steaming of sweet potatoes. These are then mashed and fermented with a rice-based koji mould – similar to the function of yeast in fermentation. Afterwards, the mixture is distilled and results in the final product.
This drink can be distilled with two methods – single distillation in a pot still and multiple distillation in a column still. Each method affects the character of the final product in different ways.
Single distillation preserves more of the flavours from the original ingredients, resulting in a rich, earthy, and complex profile. This method is often used when producing a more traditional sweet potato shochu, as it allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to remain in the drink. Sweet potato shochu distilled using a pot still often have a slightly smoky or fruity aroma with an umami texture, ideal for pairing with savoury food.
On the other hand, multiple distillation produces a lighter shochu because it occurs at a lower temperature. These conditions strip away some of the sweet potatoes’ heavy and earthy tones, resulting in a smoother and more refined spirit. This type of sweet potato shochu often appeals to first time drinkers who prefer a milder spirit. It’s also a better cocktail mixer than single-distilled shochu.
How to drink sweet potato shochu
When serving sweet potato shochu, you can pretty much enjoy it any way you want! You can have it neat, on the rocks, diluted with a little water, or even mixed in a fun cocktail.
Many enjoy sipping this drink because it allows them to appreciate its complex flavours over time. If you’re new to this drink though, it’s often recommended to try it on the rocks to fully get a taste of its flavour profile before experimenting with other serving styles.
How does sweet potato shochu differ from other shochu?
Compared to rice or barley shochu, the sweet potato variety stands out because of its distinct flavour. Rice and barley shochu are light and more subtle, while sweet potato shochu gives you that deep earthiness.
For a unique drinking experience, look no further than the sweet potato shochu. Its bold flavours and growing global popularity make it the perfect fit for adventurous drinkers.
If you’re curious to try this drink, you can find it in specialised liquor stores, Japanese supermarkets, or online. Be sure to do your research to narrow down the kind you’re most likely to enjoy, especially if it’s your first time!
