Shochu

Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit, the Japanese aqua vitae. There are two types, Ko and Otsu.

The standard type shochu, Otsu, is made from mainly rice, sweet potatoes, rye, corn, or raw sugar, and is distilled in pot stills. The main ingredient in In Ko-type shochu is molasses.

Both types use malted rice for fermentation, and depending on the brand and where it is produced, the alcohol content varies from 40 to 90 proof (20 to 45 percent ABV), although the average is around 50 proof (25% ABV).