Iichiko Shochu Silhouette

Pronounced "each-ko" — meaning "it's great" in local Oita dialect — iichiko is Japan's leading barley shochu and one of the most beloved spirits in the country. Founded in 1979 by Sanwa Shurui in the lush mountains of Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, iichiko is a Honkaku Shochu: the highest grade of the category, which allows only one ingredient and a single distillation pass to preserve the ingredient's full character. 100% two-row barley is polished, steamed, fermented with koji (the same mold behind miso and soy sauce), and distilled using both vacuum and atmospheric methods before being blended and cut with water filtered through over 1,000 feet of volcanic rock. The Silhouette — the flagship expression — is light, clean, and remarkably food-friendly at 25% ABV, with delicate aromas of honeydew melon, lychee, citrus, and white flowers. Drink neat, on the rocks, with cold or warm water, or in a chu-hi highball.