The KOJI room is filled with a slightly sweet aroma. That is the proof of a superior
quality KOJI. Carefully selected ingredients and the KOJI mold come together as one,
fermentation is repeated and the alcohol is born.
First Fermentation of MOROMI
②SHUBO, Fermentation Starter
Production of “The Mother of SHOCHU” . Mixing Koji malt, water and SHOCHU
yeast to slowly propagate the yeast mash.
Potato Washing Machine
③Wash
Thoroughly wash freshly harvested sweet potatoes from the farm. We polish the sweet
potatoes with our sincere appreciation to the farmers as well as the grace of the land
and nature.
Checking Sweet Potatoes
④Select
After washing, the sweet potatoes are picked up and checked one by one. Sweet
potatoes are such a delicate ingredient. We detect any damage on the potato by using
all five senses to the fullest. Any damaged parts and both ends are cut off in order to
protect the true taste and aroma. All processes are done by hand.
Sweet Potato Steamer
⑤Steam
Not too hard and not too soft. While the sweet potatoes are steaming for approximately
an hour, a sweet aroma covers the brewery. Then the perfectly steamed sweet potatoes
are broken into small pieces. The most ideal condition to ferment is an hour by steam.
Fermentation Room
⑥Secondary Fermentation of MOROMI
The fermentation room where the alcohol will be slowly produced. Watching over the
production for approximately 2 weeks, it seems like we are watching our own children
grow. During this slow process the yeast mash is stirred with expectation, we monitor the
temperature and watch it quietly with love. The proof of growth is the sensitive aroma
overflowing from the tank.
Distillation Equipment (For atmospheric and vacuum distillation)
⑦Distill
Depending on the brand, the distillation process may vary. This is when the all
important aroma will be defined. Our distiller is like no other and is our secret weapon.
It can be used for both atmospheric and vacuum distillation.
Maturation Tank
⑧Maturation
Matured in a “Porcelain Enamel Tank” in order to remove the strong gas smell and
distinct rough taste of unrefined SHOCHU. Maturation periods very. The SHOCHU
complete maturation process for some styles may take a few months while others may
take more than a few years.