Overview
Type: Honkaku Shochu (Single-Distilled)
Producer: Ochiai Distillery
Country of Origin: Japan (Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu)
Alcohol Content: 38% ABV
Ingredients: 50% barley, 30% rice koji, 20% locally sourced ginger

Key Characteristics
Flavor Profile: Refreshing ginger notes dominate the palate, complemented by subtle spice and citrus undertones derived from the koji rice and barley. The ginger imparts a crisp, clean heat, balanced by the smoothness of the grains .
Aroma: Inviting scents of fresh ginger with hints of citrus and a mild earthiness from the barley.
Appearance: Clear and transparent, typical of distilled shochu.

Serving Suggestions
Neat or Over Ice: Enjoying it straight or on the rocks highlights its vibrant ginger character and smooth texture.
With Soda: Mixing with sparkling water creates a refreshing highball, enhancing the ginger's crispness.
Cocktails: Versatile in various cocktails, adding a unique ginger twist to classics like the Mojito or Moscow Mule.

Cocktail Ideas
Rihei Ginger Mojito: Rihei Ginger Shochu, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, topped with soda water.
Ginger Mule: Rihei Ginger Shochu, lime juice, ginger beer, served over ice.
Matcha Fizz: Rihei Ginger Shochu, matcha green tea powder, lemon juice, simple syrup, topped with soda water .

Heritage Notes
Established in 1909, Ochiai Distillery is a fourth-generation, family-run operation in Miyazaki Prefecture. While traditional shochu is often made from sweet potatoes, barley, or rice, Ochiai Distillery has gained recognition for crafting high-quality, small-batch shochu using locally grown produce like ginger, pumpkin, bell pepper, and yomogi leaves. The creation of Rihei Ginger Shochu was inspired by local farmers who approached the distillery to craft a shochu showcasing their high-quality ginger .