Item Number: 05192
Product Launch Date: 06/01/2025
Product Title: Nankai Shochu
Brewery/Distillery Name: Nankai Group, LLC
Brewery/Distillery Description: In 2015, Paul and Mai Nakayama went on their honeymoon to Mai’s hometown of Amami, Japan, a remote archipelago known for its breathtaking natural beauty.
A series of adventures and incredible coincidences led to discovering Amami’s unique craft spirit known as kokuto shochu, made from artisanal black sugar.
They launched Nankai Shochu in 2017, dedicated to sharing their newfound passion for shochu and sake with friends across the U.S.
Founding Date: 2017
Prefecture: Amami Island, Kagoshima
Product Description: Produced exclusively by Machida Shuzo of Amami Island, Nankai Shochu is a honkaku kokuto shochu single-distilled in a vacuum and aged 3 years in a steel tank. Featured in cocktails at many of the top bars and restaurants in CA and NY.
ABV: 24%
Yeast: Undisclosed
Product Size: 750ml
Number of Bottles per case: 12
Water Source: Amami Springs
Stills: Pot
Raw Material/Ingredients by %: Kokuto sugar (65-80%), rice (20-35%), white koji. water, and yeast.
Tasting Notes: Nankai Shochu is well known for its crisp, refreshing flavor, fruity aroma, and creamy mouthfeel. Food & Wine Magazine said, "It's much easier to mix with than vodka and goes well with just about everything”.
Nose: Fruity nose with notes of pear and melon.
Palate: Crisp, clean flavor with a creamy mouthfeel.
Color: Clear
Finish: Crisp and dry
Ingredients: Kokuto sugar, rice, white koji. water, and yeast.
Serving Recommendations: On the rocks. Mixed with water or tea. Highball with 2 parts soda and 1 part shochu with fresh lemon. Excellent in cocktails.
Distillation Process: Vacuum
Awards: 2021 GOLD - Spirit Masters. 2018 GOLD - LA Intl Spirits Competition. 2018 DOUBLE GOLD Sip Awards.
Shelf Talker: Nankai Shochu