Iichiko Saiten

Shch: Iichiko Saiten

Shch is a traditional Japanese spirit most commonly produced from rice. The iichiko Saiten uses 100% two-row barley that is fermented with koji and distilled only once a prerequisite for the highest-grade Honkaku variant of the spirit.

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Size: 750ML

Proof: 86 (43% ABV)

Origin: Japan

Distillery: Sanwa Shurui Co.

The barley is steeped in this water before being steamed and left to ferment using koji, a type of mold that kickstarts the process of converting starch to sugar. It is then distilled once using low pressure and atmospheric distillation before the two raw distillates are blended together. The iichiko Saiten expression is bottled at a higher 86 proof and is a full-flavored and complex shch that was crafted to work particularly well in cocktails.

Iichiko Saiten Tasting Notes

Nose: Honeydew melon, grape, pickled watermelon rind, and citrus notes, along with a hint of peppery spice, barley, and soy.

Palate: Rich with umami notes along with tea and white peaches

Finish: Long and citrusy

Distillery Information

Situated in the Oita Prefecture on Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu, Iichiko produces shch, a traditional Japanese spirit. The operation employs cutting-edge technology in making its award-winning spirits. But it’s also the environment that contributes to the quality of the product. The region is famous for its clean air, forests, and mountains, as well as springs. “Iichiko” means “it’s great” in the local Oita dialect. The distillery was formed in 1958 and produced sake, wine, and shch. The very first Iichiko shch to be made from barley was released in 1979.