Satsuma Shuzo 'Shiranami' Imo Shochu, Satsuma, Japan

Satsuma Shuzo 'Shiranami' Imo Shochu is a traditional Japanese sweet potato spirit from Kagoshima, celebrated for its generous aroma, rounded texture, and distinctive natural sweetness. Crafted from carefully selected Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes grown in southern Kagoshima and rice cultivated with white koji, this authentic honkaku shochu captures the earthy richness of its principal ingredient. At 25% ABV, it offers a full-bodied yet approachable character, with fragrant sweet potato, gentle cereal notes, and a clean, warming finish. Produced through traditional fermentation and single distillation, Satsuma Shiranami is an enduring expression of Kagoshima's shochu-making heritage, equally suited to sipping neat, over ice, or diluted with hot or cold water.

Product Details:

• Alcohol: 25%
• Master Distiller: Yuji Ando
• Primary Ingredient: Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes
• Sweet Potato Origin: Southern Kagoshima
• Additional Ingredient: Rice koji
• Koji Type: White koji (Shiro Koji)
• Production Method: Traditional two-stage fermentation followed by single distillation
• Primary Fermentation: Rice koji, yeast, and water fermented for approximately 6 to 8 days
• Secondary Fermentation: Steamed and crushed sweet potatoes added to the primary mash, followed by approximately 8 to 10 days of fermentation
• Distillation: Single distillation at atmospheric pressure
• Post-Distillation: Rested, filtered, and diluted with water to bottling strength
• Additives: No added flavourings or other additives

Sensory Description:

Crystal-clear in appearance, Satsuma Shiranami opens with a distinctive aroma of freshly steamed sweet potatoes, gentle earthiness, and delicate cereal notes. The nose is expressive and inviting, revealing the characteristic fragrance of traditional Kagoshima imo shochu. On the palate, a rounded, full-bodied texture carries the natural sweetness of Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes, balanced by subtle savoury depth and a restrained alcoholic warmth. White koji contributes to the spirit's clean, well-defined character, while atmospheric-pressure distillation preserves its generous aroma and flavour. The finish is smooth and lingering, with returning impressions of sweet potato, soft grain, and delicate earthy warmth.

Awards & Accolades:

• Bronze Medal: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2025
• Silver Medal: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2024
• Gold Medal: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2023
• Silver Medal: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2022
• Silver Medal: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2021

Distiller’s Background:

Satsuma Shuzo was established in 1936 in Makurazaki, Kagoshima, originally operating as Satsuma Goudou Shusei before adopting its present name in 1949. Under company president Aiichiro Hombo, the producer continues a longstanding tradition of crafting authentic Japanese shochu from locally grown ingredients. Its flagship Satsuma Shiranami reflects the techniques associated with Kagoshima's respected Kurose master distillers, combining carefully prepared sweet potatoes, rice koji, and traditional single distillation. The company operates multiple production facilities, including the Ei Distillery, where Yuji Ando has been identified as a master distiller. Satsuma Shuzo remains committed to ingredient quality, regional heritage, and traditional craftsmanship.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy Satsuma Shiranami neat at room temperature to appreciate its full sweet potato aroma and rounded texture, or serve over ice for a cooler, gently softened expression. For a traditional Japanese mizuwari, combine with chilled water to create a lighter, refreshing drink. Alternatively, prepare oyuwari by mixing the shochu with hot water, allowing its fragrant sweet potato character to become more expressive. A 6:4 ratio of shochu to water is a useful starting point, adjustable to personal preference. Pair with sushi, chicken teriyaki, yakitori, grilled pork, barbecue, tempura, or savoury Japanese small plates. Its earthy sweetness is particularly well suited to grilled and umami-rich dishes.