Nankai Shochu: The Spirit of the Amami Islands at Izakaya Juraku

At Izakaya Juraku, we love introducing guests to spirits that reflect the diversity of Japan's drinking culture. One of those bottles is Nankai Shochu, a distinctive kokuto (brown sugar) shochu from the Amami Islands in Kagoshima.

Shochu comes in many styles such as sweet potato, barley, rice, and soba. Kokuto shochu, however, is unique. It can only legally be produced in the Amami Islands, where the subtropical climate and mineral rich water help shape its smooth and lightly sweet character.

The result is a spirit that is elegant, clean, and incredibly versatile.

The Story of Nankai Shochu

Nankai Shochu is produced by Amami Oshima Kaiun Shuzo, a distillery located on Amami Oshima, one of Japan's southern island chains between Kyushu and Okinawa.

Unlike rum, which also uses sugar as a base, kokuto shochu is fermented using koji and brown sugar, then distilled in a way that preserves delicate aromas while keeping the alcohol smooth and balanced. The flavor profile tends to be lighter than sweet potato shochu, with subtle notes of vanilla, sugarcane, and tropical fruit.

Nankai Shochu at Izakaya Juraku

We currently feature three expressions from the Nankai lineup:

• Nankai — the classic expression. Clean, bright, and lightly sweet with a smooth finish.
• Nankai White Oak — a unique version aged briefly in white oak barrels, adding subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted wood.
• Nankai Gold — a richer and more complex expression with deeper aroma and a slightly fuller body.

How to Enjoy Nankai Shochu

Neat to appreciate the natural sweetness and delicate aromatics. On the rocks, chilled and slightly diluted, which softens the alcohol and brings out fruitier notes. Shochu highball, mixed with soda water and citrus for a refreshing izakaya style drink.

Nankai pairs especially well with grilled foods like yakitori, pork belly, and seafood.

Discover Nankai at Juraku

Whether you are new to shochu or already a fan, Nankai Shochu offers a glimpse into the unique spirits of Japan's southern islands. Come experience it at Izakaya Juraku in the Lower East Side.