iichiko Saiten

Name: iichiko Saiten
Brand: iichiko
SKU: 10807
Price: 33.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$33.99

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Size750mL Proof86 (43% ABV) *Please note that the ABV of this bottle may vary

Shōchū 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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Availability & Returns

This product is available in: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, WA Unfortunately, we can't ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.

Note: Once an order has been safely & successfully delivered, we do not accept returns due to change of heart or taste. Due to state regulations, we cannot accept the return of alcohol purchased by a customer in error.

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The Story

About iichiko Saiten

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 shōchū that was crafted to work particularly well in cocktails.

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About iichiko

Situated in the Oita Prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu, iichiko produces shōchū, 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 spings. The water iichiko uses is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and is soft and iron-free.

"Iichiko" means "it's great" in the local Oita dialect. The distillery was formed in 1958 and produced sake, wine, and shōchū. The very first iichiko shōchū to be made from barley was released in 1979. Since then the company has become one of the leading Japanese producers of barley shōchū.

While shōchū is most commonly distilled from rice, iichiko Saiten is crafted from polished 100% two-row barley, making it a distant cousin of whisky. It's a Honkaku shōchū, meaning it's the highest grade of the spirit and one that utilizes a single ingredient. No additives or sweeteners are added and the pristine water is filtered through 1,000 feet of volcanic rock.

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About Other Spirits

We understand that some people are explorers at heart, and the classics just won't cut it.

For those people, many other unique spirits are not listed in the main categories but are still worth the mention, such as absinthe, aperitivos, and other Special spirits.

You're welcome to check our excellent special spirit selection, find your favorite in the Top 10 list of other spirits, or explore the Best other spirits under $50.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with honeydew melon, grape, pickled watermelon rind, and citrus notes, along with a hint of peppery spice, barley, and soy. The palate has a richness and umami notes with tea, and white peaches. There's a minerality and earthiness underneath with some citrus and brine notes. The finish is long.

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