Kome shochu is likely the original shochu. It’s essentially distilled sake and has some overlap in flavor profiles.
Kuma Shochu
Kuma shochu is the representative type of rice shochu. Kuma is in the Hitoyoshi Basin of Kumamoto, which is a major rice-growing region. It also has excellent water for farming, brewing, and distilling.
The Flavor of Rice Shochu
The aroma and taste of kome shochu are often elegant, fruity, floral, mellow, and semi-sweet. A ricey/grainy quality is common, as well.
Vacuum distilled rice shochu is very popular and is even lighter and prettier.
Rice Shochu Brands
Hakutake Shiro, Ginrei Shiro, Kawabe, Torikai, and Yokaichi Kome are super popular rice shochu brands. Of these, Yokaichi Kome is the easiest to find.