Daiyame is produced at Hamada Shuzo’s “Denzouingura” distillery in Ichikikushikino, Kagoshima Prefecture. This is one of the company’s three distilleries, dedicated exclusively to innovative products. Daiyame was launched in late 2018 to mark the company’s 150th anniversary. Since then, this unique shochu has won countless awards at international spirits competitions. For example, in 2019 it won the Top Award Shochu Gold Trophy at the IWSC, in 2020 it won Double Gold at the ISC, and Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition. At the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), Daiyame won the Double Gold medal in the Shochu category.
Daiyame Shochu is absolutely unique. Upon opening the bottle, a lychee-like aroma fills the air, and the flavor of this shochu is also strongly reminiscent of the sweet fruit. This is due, in part, to the variety of sweet potatoes used—in this case, Kojuku Imos, which are particularly fragrant—and, in part, to the production method. The so-called “Kojuku” method, which Hamada Shuzo developed specifically for the production of Daiyame, is strictly confidential. But we can reveal this much: before steaming, the sweet potatoes undergo a two- to three-month maturation process—essentially, they are aged—which gives them a distinctive flavor. The method requires absolute precision and care and is extremely labor-intensive. The result, however, is well worth the effort. Daiyame is characterized by a mild and fresh taste. The black koji is subtle and provides a long, crisp finish as well as intense umami notes. This shochu is very smooth yet has a full-bodied character. Daiyame is produced using vacuum distillation. Incidentally, the word “Daiyame” comes from the Kagoshima dialect and roughly translates to “refreshment after a hard day’s work.”
Daiyame Shochu is great neat or on the rocks, but also as a highball with soda, which really brings out the lychee flavor. The producer, Hamada Syuzou, also recommends storing Daiyame in the refrigerator and enjoying it well-chilled in a wine glass. Since Daiyame has such a distinctly fruity flavor, it’s also a great ingredient for cocktails. It can easily replace a liqueur. It pairs very well with pan-seared fish and meat (both white and red), as well as sweet and fruity desserts.
An insider tip is Daiyame Wild Berry, an absolute dream aperitif. With its lychee and elderflower notes, Daiyame pairs perfectly with Wild Berry, and with an alcohol content of just 25% vol, it fits perfectly into the growing trend of low-ABV drinks. And, as is customary with Honkaku Shochu, it contains no artificial additives or residual sugar. Daiyame Wild Berry is a deliciously fresh and fruity combination that’s very easy to prepare: Mix 4 cl of Daiyame with 12 cl of Schweppes Wild Berry or Thomas Henry Wild Berry, then add ice cubes and fresh or frozen berries. Stir gently and enjoy.
Sweet Potato Shochu
Japanese spirit
Net volume: 720 ml
Alc.: 25% vol
Sale only to adults
Importer: Ginza Berlin GmbH, Pfalzburger Straße 20, 10719 Berlin
