Mizu Green Tea Shochu

Mizu Green Tea Shochu hails from Arita, Saga Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, a region with a deep history of porcelain craftsmanship and, fittingly, where the first green tea seedlings were planted in Japan over 800 years ago. Produced by the Munemasa Shuzo Co., a relatively young distillery established in 1985, Mizu Shochu draws inspiration from this long legacy of artisanship. The brand is known for its traditional, single-distillation "honkaku" method, which preserves the authentic flavors of its locally sourced ingredients. This Green Tea expression is a newer, seasonal offering, crafted by co-fermenting Saga-grown two-row barley, black koji rice, and freshly picked Ureshino green tea leaves, resulting in a spirit that is bottled at a higher 70 proof, a nod to older shochu styles for enhanced complexity.

Mizu Green Tea Shochu offers a smooth, herbaceous profile with distinct green tea notes and subtle umami. It truly shines in light, citrusy cocktails where its delicate, earthy flavors can take center stage, but also lends intriguing character to modern classics like a Green Tea Martini or a highball.

Imagine fresh green tea leaves and grassy notes with a hint of lemon zest on the nose. The first sip brings a smooth, light body where gentle green tea mingles with a touch of sweetness, some nuttiness, and a clean, soft rice-like backdrop. It finishes with lingering green tea, a subtle astringency, and a refreshing coolness.