Michael Politz

Publisher

Food & Beverage Magazine Publications

From: Amanda Torres
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 12:20 PM
To: Michael
Subject: iichiko’s Guide to Shochu (and why Shinwa Should be on your Radar!)

Hi Michael,

For years Japan's native spirit has flown under the radar while sake steals the spotlight, but iichiko is here to change that. Their latest expression, Shinwa , was released earlier this year and I wanted to see if you were interested in exploring the leading shochu brand further for any spirit or cocktail coverage you may be working on.

Key Facts Below:

1. It comes from one of the most pristine environments on the planet

iichiko is crafted in Oita Prefecture, a region known for its clean air, cedar forests, geothermal springs, and water filtered through over 1,000 feet of volcanic rock. That exceptionally soft, iron-free water is what allows iichiko to be distilled only once, preserving maximum flavor without relying on additives or sweeteners.

2.      iichiko has been doing this since 1979

When launched in 1979, they set a standard the category still measures itself against. Today, iichiko is the #1 barley shochu brand in Japan with the accolades to match (Platinum, 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Double Gold medal, 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Double Gold, 2025 International Spirits Challenge).

3.      The secret ingredient is koji

Koji is the same ancient mold behind miso, soy sauce, and sake, and it's the backbone of what makes shochu so distinctly Japanese. At iichiko, koji kickstarts the fermentation process while releasing citric acid that preserves the barley's natural character. The result is a spirit with real depth and savory complexity, what most people know as umami.

4.      If you love sake, shochu is your next obsession

iichiko shochu is made from 100% two-row barley, fermented with koji, and distilled just once to preserve every layer of flavor. Whether you're reaching for Silhouette –the brand's flagship expression and Japan's #1 shochu, light and endlessly food-friendly at 25% ABV–the cocktail-forward Saiten at 43% ABV, or the newly released Shinwa, built for sipping and mixing alike, there's an iichiko for every moment and every palate.

5.      It's one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar

Shochu's smooth, umami-driven character makes it a natural substitute (and upgrade) in cocktails that typically call for vodka, gin, or even whisky, playing beautifully with citrus, soda, and fresh herbs while keeping drinks clean and balanced. iichiko Shinwa , the brand's newest expression, was made for exactly this. With notes of pineapple, white peach, coconut, and a hint of chocolate, it brings real complexity to any build, from a simple highball to classic martini or old-fashioned recipe.

Happy to share more details, if needed! And, sharing some iichiko Saiten cocktail recipes below if you’re curious to experiment at home (samples available upon request)!

Best,

Amanda

Not A Margarita | IMAGE

Created by iichiko Shochu

2 oz iichiko Saiten

0.5 oz Lime Juice

0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice

0.5 oz Simple Syrup

0.5 oz Triple Sec

Glassware: Rocks Glass

Garnish: Citrus Wheel

Method: Mix all ingredients into cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Rocks glass with Ice. Garnish with Citrus Wheel.

+++

Cherry Blossom Sour | IMAGE

Created by Natasha Sofia for iichiko Shochu

2 oz iichiko Saiten

1 oz Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Cherry Blossom Syrup

Egg white

Glassware: Coupe

Garnish: Yuzu salt, matcha powder, and flowers

Method: Mix all ingredients into cocktail shaker without ice, dry shake for 1 min, add ice and shake again. Double strain into sour cocktail glass or coupe. Sprinkle yuzu salt and matcha powder over cocktail. (Optional: Garnish with flowers)

+++

Citrus Spritz | IMAGE

Created by iichiko Shochu

1.5 oz iichiko Saiten

0.75 oz Lime Juice

0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice

0.75 oz Thyme Syrup

Topped with Club Soda

Glassware: Rocks glass

Garnish: Mint Sprig + Grapefruit Wheel

Method: Mix all ingredients except Club Soda into cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Rocks glass with Ice. Top with Club Soda and garnish with Mint and Grapefruit Wheel.

+++

Koji Old Fashioned | IMAGE

Created by iichiko Shochu

2 oz iichiko Saiten

0.25 oz Simple Syrup

2-3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Glassware: Rocks Glass

Garnish: Orange Slice

Method: Mix all ingredients into glass with ice. Stir, then garnish with Orange Slice.

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Amanda Torres
Account Director (Wine & Spirits)

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