Situated in the Oita Prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu, iichiko produces shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit. The operation employs cutting-edge technology in making its award-winning spirits. But it's also the environment that contributes to the quality of the product. The region is famous for its clean air, forests, and mountains, as well as spings. The water iichiko uses is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and is soft and iron-free. "Iichiko" means "it's great" in the local Oita dialect. The distillery was formed in 1958 and produced sake, wine, and shochu. The very first iichiko shochu to be made from barley was released in 1979. Since then the company has become one of the leading Japanese producers of barley shochu. While shochu is most commonly distilled from rice, iichiko Saiten is crafted from polished 100% two-row barley, making it a distant cousin of whisky. It's a Honkaku shochu, meaning it's the highest grade of the spirit and one that utilizes a single ingredient. No additives or sweeteners are added and the pristine water is filtered through 1,000 feet of volcanic rock. The barley is steeped in this water before being steamed and left to ferment using koji, a type of mold that kickstarts the process of converting starch to sugar. It is then distilled once using low pressure and atmospheric distillation before the two raw distillates are blended together. The iichiko Silhouette is a traditional shochu that is bottled at 50 proof. Lighter and super-versatile, it pairs great with food, as it is traditionally consumed. It is equally drinkable straight or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails, or even with tea.

iichiko is a true expression of a pristine natural environment. iichiko is crafted in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island – a region famous for its clean air, lush greenery, dense cedar forests, mountainous terrain, and geothermal springs.

iichiko is made from 100% two-row barley, fermented with koji. Koji is the traditional secret behind Japanese foods famous for umami, like miso and soy sauce.

Crafted specifically for the modern bartender, iichiko Saiten is a full-flavored expression of shochu that is perfect for cocktails at 43% ABV (alcohol by volume).

On the nose, iichiko Saiten is redolent with aromas of honeydew melon, white grape, pickled watermelon rind and kabosu citrus. There are also hints of soy, white pepper and rich barley notes.

On the palate, iichiko Saiten has a strong start and a long finish. It exudes rich umami notes of jasmine tea, white peach, minerals and earth with some citrus and a saline finish that beckons another sip. Its complex flavors offer exciting options for mixing in cocktails.

AWARDS
iichiko Saiten was awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the recipient of a 94 Point rating at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Iichiko Seirin Shochu boasts a crystal-clear aroma and subtle sweetness. Crafted from premium barley and barley koji, this barley Shochu undergoes meticulous brewing and filtration through bamboo charcoal. The result is a distinct, clear flavor that sets Seirin apart, embodying the essence of carefully selected ingredients and craftsmanship.