Daiyame is produced at Hamada Shuzo's distillery "Denzouimgura" in Ichikikushikino in Kagoshima Prefecture. This is one of the company's three distilleries, which focus exclusively on innovative products. Daiyame was launched at the end of 2018 to mark the company's 150th anniversary. Since then, this unique shochu has won countless prizes at international spirit competitions. For example, the Top Award Shochu Gold Trophy at the IWSC in 2019, Double Gold at the ISC in 2020 and Gold at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition in 2020. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) in 2023, Daiyame won the Double Gold Medal in the Shochu category.
Daiyame Shochu is absolutely unique. When the bottle is opened, a lychee-like aroma is released and the taste of this shochu is also strongly reminiscent of the sweet fruit. This is partly due to the type of sweet potato used, in this case Kojuku Imos, which is particularly fragrant. And secondly, the production method. The so-called "Kojuku" method, which Hamada Shuzo developed especially for the production of Daiyame, is top secret. What can be revealed, however, is that the sweet potatoes are subjected to a maturing process for two to three months before steaming, giving them a special taste. The method is subject to absolute precision and care and is extremely labor-intensive. However, the result is worth every effort. Daiyame is characterized by a mild and fresh taste. The black koji is subtle and provides a long, crisp finish and intense umami notes. This shochu is very smooth and yet has a strong body. Daiyame is produced using vacuum distillation. Incidentally, the word "Daiyame" comes from the Kagoshima dialect and means something like "refreshment after a hard day's work".
Daiyame Shochu is great neat or on the rocks, but also with soda as a highball, which brings out the lychee flavor in particular. Producer Hamada Syuzou also recommends storing Daiyame in the fridge and enjoying it well chilled in a wine glass. As Daiyame tastes so extremely fruity, it is also a great ingredient for cocktails. It can easily replace a liqueur. In food pairing, it goes very well with roasted fish and meat (light and dark), but also with sweet and fruity desserts.
An insider tip is Daiyame Wild Berry, an absolute dream aperitivo. With its lychee and elderflower notes, Daiyame goes perfectly with Wild Berry and, with its alcohol content of just 25% by volume, is perfectly in line with the growing trend for LOW-ABV drinks. And, as usual with Honkaku Shochu, without any artificial additives or residual sugar. Daiyame Wild Berry is a deliciously fresh and fruity combination that is very easy to prepare: mix 4cl Daiyame with 12cl Schweppes Wild Berry or Thomas Henry Wild Berry and add ice cubes and fresh or frozen berries. Stir gently and enjoy.
Sweet potato shochu
Japanese spirit
Net quantity: 720 ml
Alcohol content: 25% vol.
For sale to persons of legal age only
Importer: Ginza Berlin GmbH, Pfalzburger Straße 20, 10719 Berlin
