Honkaku Shochu Day (Honkaku Shochu no Hi)

What Is "Honkaku Shochu Day" on November 1st?

November 1st is "Honkaku Shochu Day," an anniversary for honkaku shochu (authentic, single-distilled shochu) established in 1987. It falls around the time when new shochu made in August and September of that year becomes ready to drink, making it a seasonal milestone for shochu fans. This article provides a comprehensive look at its origins, history, how to choose a bottle, and how to enjoy it.

Origins and Background of Honkaku Shochu Day

The Organization Behind It and Its Purpose

Honkaku Shochu Day was established in September 1987 at a meeting of honkaku shochu makers held in Kyushu, and it is carried out by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. It serves as an occasion to spread the appeal of honkaku shochu and accurate knowledge about it.

Why November 1st?

New honkaku shochu made from around August and September becomes ready to drink around November 1st. That is why November 1st was chosen to mark the start of the new shochu season.

What Exactly Is "Honkaku Shochu"?

The Difference From Korui Shochu

Honkaku shochu is produced through single (pot still) distillation, resulting in a flavor that highlights the character of its raw ingredients. Korui shochu, on the other hand, is produced through continuous distillation, resulting in a cleaner taste with less distinctive character. This difference in production method directly affects flavor and how the shochu is best enjoyed, making it important to choose based on your preferences and intended use.

Under the Liquor Tax Act, shochu was once divided into "Class A" (korui) and "Class B" (otsurui). Because these labels sounded like quality grades, the Class B shochu that brings out the flavor of its ingredients came to be called "honkaku shochu" (authentic shochu).

Common Types of Ingredients

Honkaku shochu can be made from a variety of ingredients, including sweet potato, barley, rice, brown sugar, and buckwheat. Sweet potato shochu tends to be rich and sweet, barley shochu offers a crisp, toasty aroma, and rice shochu has a smooth, mellow character. Understanding the character of each ingredient makes it easier to find the bottle that suits your taste.

How to Choose Honkaku Shochu (A Beginner's Guide)

If you're not sure where to start, first check the ingredient and alcohol content. For beginners, an easy-drinking barley shochu or a fruity sweet potato shochu is a good place to start. Reviews and awards can also be helpful, but ultimately the best way to avoid disappointment is to try a tasting or buy a small bottle first. Pay attention to storage methods and how the flavor changes after opening.

How to Enjoy Honkaku Shochu Day

Recommended Ways to Drink It (Hot Water, Diluted With Water, or On the Rocks)

As the cold deepens in November, mixing shochu with hot water (oyuwari) is especially recommended—it brings out the aroma and gives it a mellow mouthfeel. Diluted with water, it pairs well with meals, while on the rocks, the character of the ingredient comes through clearly. Choose based on your preference and what you're pairing it with.

Food Pairings

Sweet potato shochu pairs well with richly seasoned meat dishes, while barley shochu complements grilled fish and other Japanese dishes. Rice shochu goes well with delicately flavored dishes too, offering a wide range of pairing options. Thinking carefully about food pairings can greatly enhance your enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the Difference Between Honkaku Shochu and Sake?

Sake is a brewed alcohol, while honkaku shochu is a distilled alcohol. They differ in alcohol content, production method, and overall flavor direction.

How Long Can It Be Stored?

Unopened bottles can be stored for a long time, but once opened, the flavor will gradually change. The basic rule is to keep it away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dark place.

In Summary

"Honkaku Shochu Day" on November 1st is a day to reaffirm the value of shochu culture. It was set to match the season when new shochu becomes ready to drink. Honkaku shochu is a distilled alcohol that offers a wide range of flavors depending on its ingredients and production method. Use this opportunity to brush up on the basics and find the bottle that's right for you.