Okuchi Shuzo Brewery （大口酒造 第二蒸留所見学）

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If you want to try Kagoshima’s famous shochu, what better place than Isa, the distilled alcohol’s historical home? Japan’s oldest written record of shochu dates from 1559 and was found at Koriyama Hachiman Shrine in Isa. The city is therefore a key destination for shochu enthusiasts or anyone keen to learn more this iconic drink.
The Okuchi Shuzo Brewery was formed through the merger of 11 breweries in Isa City, the birthplace of shochu, and produces popular brands such as "Kuroisanishiki," a representative Kagoshima shochu. 
Shochu can be made from a variety of staples including barley or rice. When sweet potatoes (imo) were brought into Kagoshima in the 17th century they became the key ingredient because, unlike rice, they could be grown easily in the prefecture’s volcanic soils. Today, Kagoshima is renowned for its imo-shochu, which is sold across Japan and overseas.

Okuchi Shuzo in Isa city
Isa’s cold winters, hot summers and high-quality water is perfect for shochu distilling, making the area one of Kagoshima Prefecture’s largest producers of the drink.
Locally sourced water from 100m underground as well as rice and sweet potatoes are used to make the shochu. Artisan makers draw on traditional processes and the latest technology to produce the brands, which can be enjoyed on the rocks or diluted with hot or cold water.
Set in the beautiful Isa countryside, surrounded by forested hills and lush fields, the Okuchu Shuzo distillery offers great views from its tasting hall. 

In the adjacent rooms, visitors can check out the display of shochu information and artefacts or browse the gift shop.

Shochu Brewery Tour and Tasting
Okuchi Shuzo’s distillery offers Shochu tours (currently available in Japanese but English information is on the movie). Understand first-hand how each step is carried out and see the skilled staff at work.

Highlight
Participants will receive an original original glass and towel from the brewery. From September to November, visitors can also view the impressive preparation of sweet potatoes, the raw material for shochu.

What to expect
 - DVD viewing (15min.) : You’ll learn about shochu brewing in an English-language DVD.
 - Brewery guide (30min.) :A guide will tell you about Okuchi Brewery and how shochu is made. They will also show you the different machines used to make shochu during the tour’s season.
 - Shochu tasting (30min.) : You’ll try Okuchi Brewery’s different shochu brands. 
 - Shopping (Free time) : You can purchase Okuchi Brewery's different shochu brands and shochu-related goods and Isa's regional goods.