Aged barley shochus are rare to find without the influences of barrel-aging, which normally impart a golden hue and notes from the barrel to a shochu. Instead, Masako is aged a whopping 11 years prior to bottling (distillation date was 2009) in a combination of ceramic pots and enamel tanks. The result is a deep and rich expression full of sweet green pepper, allspice, and an enveloping milk-chocolate finish. This indulgent shochu shows off a level of funkiness and complexity you can only find with substantial aging. Recommended oyuwari (with hot water) or on the rocks. 

Furusawa Distillery in Miyazaki perfectly encapsulates the Female Frontrunners, with Motoko becoming the first woman master distiller in Miyazaki in 1945 when she joined as the 3rd generation Toji of the distillery. She was replaced by her daughter, Masako, who is currently the 5th generation master distiller, and so goes it down the line. Mahoko is Motoko's granddaughter, and is currently training for the role.

Features

• Distilled in Miyazaki, Japan by Furusawa Jyozo
• Distilled from 100% mugi (barley) and mugi koji (barley koji)
• ABV 35% / Koji: white (barley) / Distillation: Atmospheric
  
• Aged: 11 years 
• Vessel: Ceramic pots and enamel tanks
• 25.3 fl oz (750ml)