Frequently asked questions

Koji Spirits is our range of authentic Australian Shochu. These are spirits made with koji, a fermentation culture traditionally used in Japan to unlock flavour from ingredients such as rice, barley or sweet potato. At Reed & Co Distillery, we make our own koji and a range of modern Australian Shochu under the Koji Spirits label, including Rice Shochu, Barley Shochu and other variations like Yuzushu and Chilli Koji Liqueur.

Shochu is a clear Japanese spirit, made with koji from a starchy base ingredient like rice, barley, or sweet potato. It is fermented then distilled and is the most-consumed drink in Japan. Australian Shochu, like our Koji Spirits, is Shochu made in Australia using the same broad principles as traditional Shochu, but with local ingredients and for an Australian palate. At Reed & Co Distillery, we make a Honkaku-style of Shochu right here in Bright, which reflects both Japanese distilling influence and Australian craft spirits culture.

Shochu and sake are both Japanese drinks, but they are made differently. Sake is brewed, more like beer or wine, while Shochu is distilled, which gives it a different structure, flavour and versatility. Shochu is often enjoyed neat, on ice, with water or with soda.

Shochu is made by fermenting a starchy base ingredient such as rice or barley with koji (which is basically a mould spore), then distilling it once to capture flavour and character. At Reed & Co. Distillery, we make our own koji in-house and use it to produce Australian Koji Spirits that are expressive, balanced and local ingredient-led.

Shochu can be enjoyed in a range of simple ways, depending on your taste. It can be served neat, over ice, with Soda or Tonic, or used in a light, refreshing cocktail like a Chu-Hai. At Reed & Co Distillery, we love Shochu because it is versatile, food-friendly and easy to enjoy at home.

Reed & Co Distillery makes Koji Spirits because we are passionate about Japanese flavour, fermentation and doing things differently. Koji allows us to create distinctive Australian spirits inspired by Japanese tradition, while still reflecting our own ingredients, place and style.