Hozan ‘Beniazuma’ Genshu Imo Shochu

At a Glance: Strong, rich, round, nutty, and complex sweet potato shochu. A limited-production spirit that’s best served as a contemplative sipper.

Nishi Shuzo’s Hozan Beniazuma is part of a limited-production line of genshu shochu showcasing different types of sweet potato varietals. Besides the Beniazuma sweet potato– they also bottle an Ayamurasaki and a Shiroyutaka-based imo. All run 34% ABV with basically the same distillation specs.  

This is a rich, spicy, and contemplative imo shochu. The texture is somewhat rounded, but not sweet or fat. Savory steamed and soily sweet potato flavor. Chestnut, almond, and lime zest are other tasting notes. Beniazuma Hozan is great oyuwari (with hot water) or neat but also shows well on the rocks and mizuwari. Makes a baller imo margarita! Serve with rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs particularly well with pork and chicken-based cuisine. 

Nishi’s Beniazuma is the most elegant of the three varietal series. The Ayamurasaki 綾紫 is more buttery with less spice. While the Shiroyutaka 白豊 is lean, herbal, dry, and sharp. It’s profile is similar to Tequila. 

Tech & Product Info

Hozan ‘Beniazuma’ Genshu Honkaku Imo Shochu

Mash: Imo 83%, Kojimai 17% (rice)   Koji:  Kuro (black)

Imo Type: Beniazuma 紅東

Distillation: Honkaku (once distilled)   Pressure: 

ABV: 34%, Genshu

the Distillery 

Brewery: Nishi Shuzo 西酒造   Location: Fukiagecho Yokura, Hioki, Kagoshima  

EST: 1845   Website: http://nishi-shuzo.co.jp/       

Label / Kanji 

Nishi Shuzo 西酒造  Hozan 宝山

Genshu 原酒   Imo shochu 芋焼酎

Beniazuma  紅東, 紅あずま, ベニアズマ