Barley Shochu, 'Aokage'

Distillery: Yanagita Shuzo • Prefecture: Miyazaki • Ingredients: 100% Two-Row Barley (including black Barley koji) • Distillation: Atmospheric pressure still (Jo-atsu)• Water: Spring water from Kirishima basin • ABV: 25%

• This is a dense, flavorful and aromatic spirit that drinks surprisingly light. Initial aroma of toasted sesame moves into caramel popcorn, flavor has all sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate, but finishes dry.
• When distilling Yanagita-san adjusts the direction of the heat entering the still to ‘toast’ the liquid inside as it moves, creating distinctive roasty notes.
• After distillation spirit is aged in glass tanks and filtered by hand, straining the tops of tanks with custom made horsehair strainers to remove impurities but retain oils and flavor.
• This marries well with other spirits and can bring a distinct sesame or barley note to cocktails.