EXPERIENCE
Experience our Shōchū with unique food pairings or tastings with restaurant partners. You are also welcome to try it at one of the restaurants that already stock it, or contact us directly for a special request.
Tasting experience:
We participate each year in Japan Day, be sure to visit us there.Previous events
- Japanese Food Jam, Bonnievale
- Japan Day, Jan van Riebeek, Cape Town
- Saké workshop at WAZA Shop, Cape Town
- Shōchū & Korean food-pairing at Allium, Cape Town
- Shōchū tasting at WAZA Shop, Cape Town
- Shōchū tasting at Kok Restaurant, Port Elizabeth
How it is made
Only the purest ingredients are used
01
We use natural Japonica rice (non-GMO) as the main fermentation ingredient, as well as to make our koji. Our Imo Shōchū (coming soon) is made from locally sourced sweet potatoes.
02
Koji, aspergillus oryzae, is a unique mold species that is commonly used in East Asia foods and drinks – including soy sauce, tamari, and saké. Its key function is to produce enzymes that break down starches in the rice into sugars, ready for the yeast to feast on.
03
We propagate our own yeast from an original Japanese saké yeast, over time making it into a uniquely South African strain.
04
Water is added to the fermentation process and used to dilute our Shōchū to the desired alcohol level. We source our water from Cape Town’s unique water sources.
05
Each batch takes up to 2 months to complete the fermentation and final distillation. Further bottle aging provides for a more mature taste.
06
Throughout the process we tend to the needs of the organisms to ensure the best quality saké is made.
07
Our saké is distilled by our distillation partner using a copper pot still to produce Shōchū, which is finally diluted to an alcohol level of 30%-44%.
08
We craft our own images, designs and labels, but continue to seek unique approaches and aim to collaborate with local artists.Where to try:
Our Shōchū or Umeshu is currently available at these locations. Ask for it by name.
Cape Town:
Tamboers Winkel
The Bar Keeper
Sandton:
KōL Izakhaya
Balito:
Yori Oki Sushi & Grill
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha):
Kok Restaurant
Izakaya Arata
Stellenbosch:
Genki Sushi
Dusk Restaurant