Haamonii Smooth | World’s smoothest shochuWorld’s smoothest shochu

“…Haamonii Smooth and Haamonii Smooth lemon. These were the favorites among two Food and Wine staff tasters who found both to be light and smooth, with a hint of sweetness.”

As you can imagine, we were very excited about the article that was printed in the San Francisco Chronicle last Friday, 10/17. Of course, we were happy to see that Haamonii was the favorite among two Food and Wine staff tasters but more importantly, however, was the fact that Cindy Lee was able to capture so well the current and continued popularity associated with the global joy of shochu. The most exciting thing about the article is the fact that we hope it will increase awareness of shochu in general. There are shochu and sojus for each and every taste and not all are for everyone. The simple idea is that you should try it regardless of brand… and don’t forget to “pour for others and not self” (an ancient Asian tradition carried on to guarantee you’ll never drink alone).

Here are a few key notes from the article:

• In Japan,… the consumption of shochu, a distilled beverage made from a variety of starches and grains, has exceeded that of sake.

• Around this time, in 1998, a Japanese medical researcher published a paper claiming that shochu activated enzymes that inhibited the growth of blood clots and prevented strokes and heart attacks.

• Here in the Bay Area, Takahashi reported an increase in demand for shochu within the past five years, especially in Japanese markets, pubs known as izakayas and other Asian restaurants.

• “It goes well with all types of food,”

• This trend is echoed in other parts of the world (E.g. London, Australia, New York)

• It is a clear spirit that can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon, mixed with hot or cold water, with tea, or in a mixed drink.

• Because of its similarities in composition, appearance and usage, shochu is sometimes marketed in the United States as Japanese vodka. This can be misleading because shochu generally has a much lower alcohol content than vodka.

• The result [shochu] is a spirit that Lim says is “smoother than vodka and more versatile.

• There are two classifications of shochu: koshu (grade A) and otsushu (grade B). Like vodka and Korean soju (see “A guide to shochu,” this page), the koshu type is distilled multiple times, resulting in a odorless and flavorless beverage.

• In addition to its smoothness and versatility, shochu possesses another important virtue; it is low in calories. A 2-ounce serving of shochu contains about 35 calories. Compare that to about 120 calories for 2 ounces of vodka and 80 calories for 2 ounces of sake.

• Others recognize the appeal of shochu as a lighter base for mixed drinks. “It tastes like you are drinking a drink, but it is not as overpowering as say a gin and tonic, both in flavor and punch,” says Deutchman.

Thank you to all those that have supported Haamonii Smooth. We look forward to continuing our effort to share the world’s smoothest shochu with you.