Kurokame Honkaku Shochu– 50 proof, 25%ABV

Kurokame is a surprising imo shochu made with purple Satsuma sweet potatoes. These potatoes have a robust reddish purple skin, but are a pale yellow inside. It is distilled traditionally in earthen pots (kame) using black koji (kuro koji) thus the name, Kurokame or black stone pot.

Kurokame has a surprisingly neutral nose. Imos tend to smell like fresh dirt in a good way. This imo smells more subtle almost a roasted essence. The initial palate is spicy with a rich sweetness. And then the roast hits a roasted wheat flavor. The roast holds along with a hint of sweet spiciness throughout the finish.

This is a delicious imo shochu. Its difficult to decide whether we prefer it neat, cut with water (hot or cold), or on the rocks. Highly Recommended