Kuro Kirishima Imo Shochu from Miyazaki

Last Updated 8/4/2020

Kuro Kirishima is a super popular honkaku sweet potato shochu. It’s relatively lean and dry. Notes include steamed kabocha, citrus oil, chestnut, and fruit cake. This imo shochu is a staple of the izakaya and Japanese bar scene. If you’re new to shochu, Kuro Kirishima should be on your short-list.  

 

Kirishima Shuzo 霧島酒造 produces this super popular imo shochu brand. The distillery is located in Miyazaki prefecture. Kuro (black) koji is used and is referenced in the name. Black koji lends a citrus oil quality and a fairly fragrant bouquet. 

Overall, Kuro Kirishima 黒霧島 is leaner and drier than the average imo-jochu. It finishes with a nice spicy and sharp imo kick. This shochu is one distilled (honkaku) and then diluted to a modest strength. 

Service and Pairing

Service-wise– Kuro Kirishima is flexible. It can be served neat, rocks, oyuwari, or mizuwari, maewari– whatever. It’s versatile. Just be mindful not to over-dilute. Gentle heating in a kuro joka provides an authentic feel and produces a lighter, cleaner profile if you can find one. But, teacups work just fine.

Kuro Kirishima makes for a good Hot Toddy. The citrusy notes on the shochu combine well with the citrus peel. Like any shochu + hot water combo– be sure to add the hot water first. The ratio will be anything from 1:1 for a more dilute beverage to 7:5 Shochu to hot water for more flavor.

Kuro Kirishima is also quite flexible on the table. Most izakaya fare will suit it well. Look for medium to heavier-flavored dishes in general. Sweet potato or shrimp tempura, pork and chicken-based cuisine, and katsu are going to get you where you need to be. Also don’t forget the livers, hearts, and other organs and most anything on a stick (kushi-yaki)!

 

Tech & Production Info

Ingredients: 83% Imo, 17% kojimai (rice)

Imo type: Koganesengan 黄金千貫   ABV: 24-25%

Koji: Black   Distilled: honkaku (one time distilled)

Official Tech Sheet   excellent Kampai post

 

The Kirishima Shochu Distillery

Distillery: Kirishima Shuzo 霧島酒造    Location Shibita, Miyazaki     EST: 1916

Official Site

Kirishima Shuzo is a well-known distillery that also brews beer. Its Kirishima Reikiasui 霧島裂罅水 water is moderately hard and promotes a vigorous fermentation and quality water for dilution. The distillery is located in the interior of southern Miyazaki. This warm, humid climate is not great for seasonal sake brewing– but is perfect for making shochu. Kirishima Shuzo is arguably the most popular distillery in a prefecture known for making good imo and soba shochu. 

 

 

Label Translation

Kirishima Shuzo 霧島酒造  

Kuro Kirishima 黒霧島

Imo 芋  Imojochu 芋焼酎

Miyazaki 宮崎