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  6. Shochu Tasting Experience: Compare 7 Local Distilleries in the Birthplace of Japan's Two Great Shochu Master Brewers (Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima)
Product #270601
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Close-up of a hand holding a shochu tasting glass with 'Nanatsu Kura' and Kagoshima's Minamisatsuma region printed, showcasing the clear spirit during a unique comparison experience in Japan.
Participant at a shochu tasting table in Minamisatsuma, Japan, with multiple empty glasses on a wooden tray, ready to compare seven shochu varieties from local distilleries.
Shochu Tasting Experience: Compare 7 Local Distilleries in the Birthplace of Japan's Two Great Shochu Master Brewers (Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima)
Modern, brightly lit shochu tasting facility in Minamisatsuma, Japan, with tables set for comparison and a diverse display of shochu bottles from local breweries.
An elegant, stemmed shochu tasting glass with the 'Nanatsu Kura' logo, filled with clear spirit, placed on a rustic wooden table, representing Kagoshima's rich shochu heritage.
KKday Marketplace

Shochu Tasting Experience: Compare 7 Local Distilleries in the Birthplace of Japan's Two Great Shochu Master Brewers (Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima)

Japan-Kagoshima
Booking confirmed 1 day(s) after ordering
Duration:1 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Language(s): English / Japanese
Free cancellation 4 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Learn about the history and production methods of shochu in the birthplace of Japan's two great shochu master brewers.
  • Compare shochu from all 7 local distilleries and find your personal favorite.
  • Foster interaction and communication among participants.
  • The experience takes place in a climate-controlled facility, unaffected by the weather. The first-floor shop offers over 120 local specialties from Minamisatsuma City, where you can also purchase snacks that pair perfectly with shochu and souvenirs.
  • Receive special information (such as distillery tours and experiences) exclusive to participants.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

Experience this one-of-a-kind event in Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima, the southwesternmost tip of mainland Japan and the birthplace of Japan's two great shochu master brewers!!
Immerse yourself in the world of sweet potato shochu and experience the culture and history registered as a 'UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Traditional Sake-making' with all your senses.
 
In this city of 30,000 people at the southwesternmost tip of the mainland, there are 7 shochu distilleries that carry on the techniques and traditions of the 'Kurose Toji' and 'Ata Toji,' the two great shochu master brewers of Japan.
 
This is the only experience in Japan where you can fully immerse yourself in all the local distilleries, known as the 'Seven Distilleries,' which aim to promote local Minamisatsuma shochu.
 
You will enjoy the differences and flavors of shochu from each of the seven distilleries, with one representative brand selected from each.
Each serving is 60ml at 25% ABV, diluted with mineral water, equivalent to 7 standard servings you would receive at an izakaya.
 
Participants will also create a 'flavor chart,' a rarity in the shochu industry, and share their personal perceptions of the flavors.
 
Finally, you will taste one of the 7 brands you sampled and guess which one it is.
If you guess correctly, you will receive an original Minamisatsuma Seven Distilleries shochu magnet.

What You Can Expect

Duration: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

1 Day

  • (Example) For a 13:00 start Please arrive by 12:45
    Spacious and air-conditioned shochu tasting venue in Kagoshima, Japan, showcasing a wide selection of diverse shochu bottles and individual stations for an interactive experience.
  • 13:00–13:20 Explanation of Japan's two great shochu master brewers, the seven Minamisatsuma distilleries, and the rules.
    A beautifully arranged wooden tray filled with multiple shochu glasses, each containing a distinct sample, inviting guests to embark on a guided tasting journey in Kagoshima.
  • 13:20–13:50 Shochu tasting practice & creation of your original shochu reference chart
    13:20–13:50 Shochu tasting practice & creation of your original shochu reference chart
  • 13:50–14:00 Comparing the charts created
    Two participants actively engaged in discussing shochu tasting notes from their leaflets, enjoying the social and educational aspect of the cultural experience in Minamisatsuma.
  • 14:00–14:20 Shochu tasting test and explanation of brands
    14:00–14:20 Shochu tasting test and explanation of brands
  • 14:20–14:30 Checking answers & closing
    14:20–14:30 Checking answers & closing

Purchase Notice

・As this event involves drinking alcohol, we do not accept participants under the age of 20.
・As this is an experience that involves drinking, we do not allow people to drive themselves to the store.
・Drivers and those who cannot drink alcohol cannot participate, but they can listen to the explanation about shochu just like the other participants. (Minamisatsuma City tea will be provided for a fee.)
・Please use designated parking lots or nearby public parking lots.
・Please note that the types of alcohol served at tastings may change depending on the season.
<Minamisatsuma Shichikura Shochu Brand List>
① Kishogura/Honbo Shuzo ② Kinpo Sakurai/Sakurai Shuzo ③ Tenmonkan/Utsu Shuzo ④ Kurose Toji/Toji no Sato Kasasa ⑤ Komatsu Taito/Fukiage Shochu ⑥ Bansei/Mansei Shuzo ⑦ Nanakubo/Higashi Shuzo

Includes/Excludes

  • Shochu tasting experience fee (compare 7 or more types of shochu)
  • Minamisatsuma snacks
  • Guide fee
  • Consumption tax
  • Transportation costs to the site
  • Additional drink fee
  • Other snacks purchase fee
  • Other costs not listed

Reminders

  • Please avoid coming on an empty stomach as this experience involves drinking alcohol.

  • If you feel unwell or have any doubts, please do not attend.

  • Please enjoy alcohol in moderation.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Meeting Point

Location Name: Kankou Bussan Koryu Shisetsu Kiyattamonse Minamisatsuma

Address: 43-9 Kasedahonmachi, Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture
How to Get There
5-minute walk from Kagoshima Kotsu 'Kaseda Bus Stop'

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 1 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

FAQ

1. What kind of flavor profiles can one expect to discover at a Minamisatsuma shochu tasting experience?

At a Minamisatsuma shochu tasting experience, you can expect to discover a diverse range of flavor profiles, especially from potato shochu. These can vary from earthy and sweet notes, often described as having hints of sweet potato, to more robust and complex aromas. Depending on the brewing method and specific potato variety used by each of the seven breweries, you might encounter fruity undertones, nutty complexities, or even a clean, crisp finish. The tasting allows you to compare these nuances directly.

2. What are the fundamental characteristics of shochu that visitors can learn about during the Minamisatsuma tasting experience?

During the Minamisatsuma shochu tasting experience, visitors can learn about shochu as a distilled Japanese alcoholic beverage, typically made from ingredients like sweet potato, rice, barley, or buckwheat. You will discover its single-distillation process, which preserves the original flavor and aroma of the raw ingredients, setting it apart from multi-distilled spirits. The experience highlights how the rich history and traditional brewing methods in Minamisatsuma, the birthplace of major shochu brewers, contribute to its unique character and cultural significance.

3. How does the taste of shochu, as experienced in Minamisatsuma, typically compare to sake?

Shochu and sake offer distinct tasting experiences. Sake is a brewed rice wine, often characterized by delicate, fruity, and umami notes, with a lower alcohol content. In contrast, shochu, particularly the potato shochu from Minamisatsuma, is a distilled spirit with a higher alcohol percentage, offering a bolder, more direct flavor. Its taste profiles can range from earthy and sweet (from sweet potato) to nutty or even smoky, providing a sharper, cleaner finish than sake.

4. What are the key differences between shochu and soju that can be understood at a shochu tasting in Minamisatsuma?

While both shochu and soju are distilled spirits, a tasting experience in Minamisatsuma will highlight their key differences. Shochu, particularly authentic Japanese shochu from Kagoshima, is typically single-distilled, preserving the distinct flavors of its base ingredients like sweet potato, resulting in a more complex and varied taste profile. Soju, often from Korea, is more commonly multi-distilled and diluted, leading to a generally smoother, milder, and often sweeter taste designed for broader appeal. The traditional brewing methods and ingredients in Minamisatsuma emphasize shochu's unique regional characteristics.

5. What are the optimal ways to serve shochu to fully appreciate its flavors during a tasting experience?

To fully appreciate shochu's diverse flavors during a tasting experience, it can be served in several optimal ways. Traditionally, it's enjoyed neat to savor its undiluted character. For a milder experience, it can be served 'mizuwari' (with cold water) or 'oyuwari' (with hot water), which can open up different aromatic components. 'On the rocks' is also popular, and some shochu varieties are excellent when mixed with soda or fruit juice. Each serving method brings out different nuances, allowing you to discover your preferred style.

6. What are the recommended storage guidelines for preserving shochu after a tasting experience?

After a shochu tasting experience, proper storage is crucial for preserving its quality. It is generally recommended to store shochu in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and significant temperature fluctuations. Unlike wine, shochu does not typically require refrigeration, even after opening, as its higher alcohol content acts as a preservative. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and evaporation. While shochu doesn't age in the bottle like some spirits, these conditions help maintain its intended flavor profile for an extended period.

7. What historical and cultural insights about shochu production can visitors gain at the Minamisatsuma tasting experience?

Visitors to the Minamisatsuma shochu tasting experience can gain profound historical and cultural insights into shochu production. As the birthplace of Japan's two major shochu brewers, this region offers a deep dive into the beverage's heritage, including its registration as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You will learn about the traditional methods passed down through generations, the significance of local ingredients like sweet potatoes, and how the culture of shochu brewing is deeply intertwined with the identity of Kagoshima. This provides context to the flavors you taste.

8. Beyond tasting, what other activities or purchases can be made at the Minamisatsuma shochu tasting facility?

Beyond the shochu tasting itself, the Minamisatsuma shochu tasting facility offers additional engaging activities and shopping opportunities. On the first floor, there's a local product shop featuring over 120 types of Minamisatsuma specialty products. Here, you can purchase various shochu bottles from the seven local breweries, as well as snacks and souvenirs specifically chosen to complement shochu. Participants also receive information about special events, such as exclusive brewery tours or unique experiences, allowing for deeper exploration of the shochu culture.

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