Our Best Seller Last Month Was Sekitoba Imo Shochu 720ml

What is "Sekitoba"?

Sekitoba is an authentic shochu developed by Hamada Shuzo in Kagoshima, driven by the desire to create a groundbreaking shochu like no other. The moment it touches your palate, you are greeted with a crisp, refreshing sharpness, followed by the rich aroma and flavor of sweet potatoes. These seemingly opposite qualities come together in perfect harmony, offering a consistently fresh experience that continues to captivate shochu enthusiasts.

 

The Origin of the Name

The name "Sekitoba," boldly written in red on a black background, is inspired by the famous horse Sekitoba, which appears in the Chinese historical epic, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, set during the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. Known for its legendary speed, said to cover a thousand miles in a day, Sekitoba was praised alongside the famous general Lü Bu, as "Lü Bu among men, Sekitoba among horses." This powerful, invigorating image is beautifully captured in the name of the shochu, reflecting its refreshing taste and robust flavor.

The Secret to Its Flavor

The key to Sekitoba's distinctive flavor lies in its ingredients and brewing process. Freshly harvested golden sweet potatoes, "Kogane Sengan," from Kagoshima are used, along with white koji, known for its light and gentle aroma. These ingredients are brewed using soft water from the sacred Mount Kammuri in the region. By focusing on meticulous aging and filtering techniques, the shochu attains a one-of-a-kind flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, whether Japanese or Western.

Global Recognition

In 2021, marking the 20th anniversary of its launch, Sekitoba shochu received Double Gold at the "San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021 (SWSC)," one of the world’s top three liquor competitions. This prestigious recognition came after being selected from Gold-winning brands through additional rounds of judging, earning global acclaim from spirits professionals.

The Delicate Flavour of Sekitoba

A special filtration method allows Sekitoba to balance lightness with a rich, full-bodied flavor. The water used for dilution is sourced from underground springs of Mount Kammuri, the very place where Xu Fu, under orders from China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, sought the fabled elixir of immortality. This water gives the shochu a gentle, smooth finish.