Love Whisky, Gin, or vodka? here's the shochu you'll love
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Which Shochu should you try? Start with the spirit you already love.
One of the most common questions we get in our Shochu Distillery is:
"I want to try shochu... but where do I start?"
And answer is easier than you think: don't start by trying to learn everything there is to know about shochu. Start with what you already enjoy drinking!
Whether you're a whisky lover, a gin fan or someone who always orders a vodka soda, there's a style of Shochu that you will love, while simultaneously introducing you to this exciting spirit.
Here's our guide on just how to do it:
If you like Vodka...
You'll probably love Rice Shochu.
If what you enjoy about vodka is its clean, crisp character, Rice Shochu offers a similar smoothness but with a lot more personality.
Expect delicate notes of steamed rice, soft fruit and a gentle sweetness that makes it incredibly easy to sip.
Try it: Over ice, with soda or tonic; or in a tall glass with ice, soda, and your choice of fruit and garnish (our favourites are passionfruit, grapefruit, and yuzu!)
If you like Whisky...
Reach for Barley Shochu.
Barley Shochu naturally has a little more body, texture and grain character, making it a favourite among whisky drinkers.
Don't expect smoky oak or heavy vanilla because shochu is distilled differently and usually not aged; but you will find smooth layers of toasted cereal, honey and roasted grain that feel taste familiar.
Try it: Neat, over ice with soda, or shake yourself up a Shochu Old Fashioned.
If you like Gin...
Meet Yuzushu.
If bright botanicals and citrus are your thing, Yuzushu delivers vibrant aromas of mandarin, grapefruit and lemon zest. It's refreshing, aromatic and incredibly easy to love - just like a G&T! It's the bottle we reach for when someone says, "I usually drink gin."
Try it: Served in a Yuzu Sour, sipped neat, or simply topped with soda.
If you like Wine...
Shochu has well and truly earned its place at the dinner table. In Japan, it's one of the country's favourite spirits for good reason, and is consumed at every stage of a meal (before, during, and after).
Its lighter body and lower ABV compared to many spirits mean it complements food rather than competing with it.
Try it: Rice Shochu with seafood, Barley Shochu with grilled meats, or simply sip it neat throughout the meal.
If you love a Spritz...
This one is easy: Yuzushu and soda. Hands down.
Fresh citrus, plenty of ice and sparkling water create one of the easiest, most refreshing drinks you'll make. It's perfect for long lunches and warm afternoons.
If you usually finish with a Liqueur...
Sip on a Yuzushu or Umeshu over ice.
They're bright, balanced and fruit-forward without becoming overly sweet - the perfect way to end a meal.
If you love trying something different...
This is where Chilli Koji Liqueur comes in. Despite the name, this variety isn't about heat; the chilli infused-Barley Shochu has a savoury depth of flavour, a gentle warmth and layers of umami that make every sip a little moreish.
Try it: Sipped neat, over ice, or in our Stormy Night riff on a Dark & Stormy.
But the best Shochu is the one you enjoy...
There's no right or wrong way to drink Shochu. Whether you try it as an alternative to something you already love, or you want to try something new - we all start somewhere!
The beauty of Shochu is that it isn't one flavour or one style. It changes with the ingredient, the serving style and the occasion.
So don't worry about trying to 'get it right' - just jump in and try it! You can explore our handcrafted range of Koji Spirits Shochu to try at home, or head into the Spirit Lab and let us lead you in a Guided Shochu Tasting.
