Alcohol souvenirs and snacks that can only be bought in Oita. Recommended sake rankings for shochu and sake

Oita Prefecture is known as the "onsen prefecture" and is home to Beppu and Yufuin. Oita Prefecture is an area visited by tourists from all over Japan, and it has many popular alcoholic beverages and alcoholic drinks that are also popular as souvenirs. Shochu is especially famous, and Oita's shochu is well-known throughout the country.
In this article, we will explain the alcohol situation in Oita Prefecture. We will also introduce some of the popular alcoholic beverages in Oita, so please take a look.

What kind of alcohol is there in Oita Prefecture? Besides sake, shochu is also famous

Oita Prefecture's sake is light and sweet

Oita Prefecture is known as one of the areas in Kyushu that is rich in nature. Approximately 70% of the prefecture is covered by forests, and farming and rice cultivation are also actively carried out. Oita Prefecture is also a rice-producing region , and has several famous brands of sake. The prefecture excels at making sake that takes advantage of the abundant spring water from the mountains and the temperature differences.
Many of the sake from Oita have a taste that allows you to experience the sweetness and umami of rice . Although they are sweet, they are not overly sweet, but rather have a light, clean taste that makes them easy to drink.

Oita is the third largest producer and shipper of shochu in Japan, and is famous for its barley shochu.

Apart from sake, shochu is especially famous. Oita ranks third in Japan in terms of production and shipping of authentic shochu , and boasts a 20% share of the shochu market.
Oita's shochu is mostly "barley shochu," and many of its shochu are easy to drink, even among authentic shochu. Most are made by reduced pressure distillation, and their refreshing taste makes them perfect for drinking with meals.
Oita's barley shochu, led by brands such as Nikaido and Iichiko, created a huge boom in Japan during the Showa era. Although the shochu boom has calmed down since then, Oita's shochu has continued to be loved for many years as an easy-to-drink drink even at home.

There are also sakes named after local delicacies and specialties.

Some of the alcohol made in Oita is associated with local gourmet foods and specialties. For example , there are local beers that go well with Oita's famous Nakatsu Karaage and Toriten , as well as cocktails and drinks made with the local specialty, Kabosu .
Oita's alcoholic beverages, including sake and shochu, are characterized by the fact that many of them have flavors that go well with food . Kyushu is a region known for its delicious food, so you can enjoy the combination of food and alcohol.

Including the popular barley shochu! Top 8 recommended alcoholic drinks in Oita

From here, we will introduce the famous and popular recommended sakes in Oita Prefecture in a ranking format. Although they are famous sakes from Oita, there are also brands that can be purchased nationwide, so be sure to check them out.

1st place: Kanehachi

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Yotsuya Shuzo
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 720ml 1,650 yen (tax included), 1,800ml 2,970 yen (tax included)

Kanehachi is a brand of shochu that is pronounced "Kanehachi" and is a barley shochu made by Yotsuya Shuzo in Oita Prefecture. The barley shochu, made using traditional techniques that have been passed down since the brewery was founded in 1919, is appealing in that it brings out the full aroma of the barley. Its unique aroma is so strong that it is likened to "barley chocolate," and it has a strong roasted flavor that makes it extremely satisfying to drink.
Kanehachi is also particular about the barley it uses as an ingredient. While regular barley shochu is often made with barley, Kanehachi uses naked barley . By deliberately using naked barley, which is more difficult to brew than barley, the flavor and umami of the raw material are effectively brought out.
In addition to the regular bottle of 25% alcohol, Kanehachi also has a lineup of Kanehachi Genshu, which is 42% alcohol without adding any water . If you want to try a rich shochu, be sure to check this out.

2nd place: Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Nikaido Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 20%, 25%
• Price: 1,800ml 20%...1,652 yen (tax included), 25%...1,878 yen (tax included)

Nikaido is a brand of barley shochu that was released as "Oita Mugi Shochu Nikaido" and became a huge hit . The shochu is made from 100% barley, both koji and ingredients, and is characterized by its elegant flavor, sweetness, and mellow taste.
It is an easy-to-drink shochu with a clean aftertaste, and is also suitable as a drink to accompany meals. In addition to the standard mix with water or tea, it is also recommended to enjoy it in a variety of arrangements, such as with beer, tomato juice, Calpis, or tea .

3rd place: Iichiko

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Sanwa Shurui
• Alcohol content: 20%, 25%, etc.
• Price: 1,800ml 25%・・・1,878 yen (tax included)

Iichiko is a barley shochu sold under the catchphrase "Napoleon of the downtown area" and is said to be the most famous barley shochu brand in Japan . It is the shochu that led the shochu boom in the 1980s and is still deeply loved in homes, at dinner tables, and for evening drinks.
It has a mellow taste that you never tire of, and is easy to try at a reasonable price range. In addition to the standard bottles, there is a wide lineup of bottled products such as the "Iichiko Flask Bottle" that are more stylish and have a higher flavor, and products such as "Iichiko Long-Term Aged Stored Sake".

4th place: Enma

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Oimatsu Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 720ml 1,309 yen (tax included), 1,800ml 2,508 yen (tax included)

Enma is a barrel-aged, mellow, easy-to-drink barley shochu . It is highly regarded both in Japan and overseas, and won the Monde Selection Gold Award in 2022.
The barrel-aged Enma has a striking red label and is called "Aka Enma." In addition to Aka Enma, "Kuro Enma," which is brewed entirely with koji for a sharper flavor, is also popular.
With its striking name and appearance, it is also popular as a souvenir shochu.

5th place: Yatsuka Junmai Daiginjo (Gold)

• Type of sake: Japanese sake (junmai daiginjo)
• Manufacturer: Yabu Shuzo
• Alcohol content: 17%
• Price: 720ml 3,465 yen (tax included), 1,800ml 6,930 yen (tax included)

While barley shochu is very popular, Yabu is loved as Oita's "sake". Yabu Junmai Daiginjo (Gold) is the highest quality bottle of the Yabu brand, and is impressive for its deep, full-bodied flavor . With a sake meter value of +3, it is slightly dry, and you can enjoy the rice flavor that spreads out over your tongue.

6th place: Kichomu

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Nikaido Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 720ml 2,014 yen (tax included), 1,800ml 4,236 yen (tax included)

Yoshiro is a long-aged barley shochu created by further aging "Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido ". Its name is inspired by the Oita Prefecture folktale "Yoshiro-san" and its unique jar bottle is eye-catching.
Shochu bottled in ceramic with a cork stopper continues to mature even in the bottle. Recommended for those who want to experience the rich flavor of barley shochu that changes over time .

7th place: Toyojun Special Pure Rice Dry

• Type of alcohol: Sake (pure rice sake)
• Manufacturer: Komatsu Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 1,800ml 3,080 yen (tax included)

Hojun is a sake produced by Komatsu Sake Brewery, and is a sake that is typical of Oita, with a rich flavor and a sharp taste. It is a perfect drink to have with a meal, and can also be paired with fried foods and meat dishes.
Toyojun Special Pure Rice Dry is made using 100% "Gin no Sato" rice, which is suitable for sake brewing and is grown in Usa, Oita Prefecture . It is perfect for those looking for a sake that is unique to Oita.

8th place: Ginza Sparrow Amber

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Yabu Shuzo
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 300ml 693 yen (tax included), 720ml 1,727 yen (tax included)

Ginza no Suzume Kohaku is a blend of shochu distilled under normal pressure and reduced pressure. It is characterized by aging barley shochu in bourbon whiskey barrels , giving it a deep flavor that can only be achieved with aged shochu, and a smoky taste similar to whiskey.
It has a rich flavor but a smooth mouthfeel, and is well-balanced. It is especially recommended to drink it on the rocks.

Some items can only be purchased in Oita! 3 limited edition sake selections

If you are going to Oita to choose alcohol, be sure to check out the Oita limited edition alcohol. Be sure to check out the Oita alcohol that you can't buy at your local convenience store.

Oita Airport Limited Kurahotaru

I bought it, but I wonder when I'll be able to drink it. Kurahotaru: Barley shochu aged in sherry casks for 10 years. (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉpic.twitter.com/nZQqFqHlMe

— IGAPON (Rehabilitating for acetabular fracture and sciatica) (@igatherider) November 3, 2014

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 750ml 3,054 yen (tax included)

Kurahotaru, available only at Oita Airport, is a specially bottled barley shochu created to commemorate the airport's 40th anniversary . The key point is that the barley shochu from Oita is aged in sherry casks for 10 years.
This amber-colored aged shochu has a mellow, sweet taste, almost like whiskey. It is an airport exclusive product, so why not choose it as a souvenir from Oita?

Kabosu Highball

• Type of drink: Highball
• Manufacturer: JA Foods Oita
• Alcohol content: 8%
• Price: 340ml x 24 bottles 4,080 yen (tax included)

This is a dry highball made with kabosu (straight juice) from Oita Prefecture. It is a standard product that can be purchased at convenience stores in Oita, but it is a rare product that is hard to find in other areas.
The refreshing hint of kabosu is a perfect match for Oita's famous toriten .

Special Steaming Yasuaki

• Type of alcohol: Barley shochu
• Manufacturer: Fujii Brewery
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 720ml 1,540 yen (tax included), 1,800ml 2,970 yen (tax included)

Taimei is a barley shochu made by Fujii Brewery. It is a rare shochu made in small quantities by a small brewery, and you can feel the care that goes into making it completely handmade.
Tokumushi Taimei is the flagship product of the Taimei brand , and is made using 100% atmospheric distillation. It is a shochu that brings out the flavor of the ingredients, and has an impact that makes it perfect for pairing with strong-flavored dishes.

Recommended snacks to go with Oita Barley Shochu

Oita Chicken Tempura

"Toriten", a specialty of Oita, is a snack made by deep-frying chicken in tempura batter. It has a juicy yet crispy taste and texture, and goes perfectly with shochu and sake. It has a lighter flavor than fried chicken, and is often eaten in Oita at home, restaurants, and izakayas .
If you make it at home, season the thigh or breast meat and fry it in tempura flour . If you add seasonings such as garlic, it makes a perfect snack to go with alcohol.

Nakatsu Fried Chicken

Oita Prefecture, which has one of the highest per capita chicken consumption rates, is famous for Toriten and Nakatsu Karaage. Nakatsu City in Oita Prefecture is known as the mecca for fried chicken, and there are many fried chicken specialty restaurants.
The crispy and juicy fried chicken goes well with shochu, beer, and highballs. Frozen versions are also available for mail order, so be sure to check them out.

Kabosu pepper

I bought this in Oita. I'll try adding some kabosu pepper.pic.twitter.com/QMWVm64JKz

— Hara ◎ Chi (@haratchatta) March 18, 2017

Kabosu pepper is a seasoning made from kabosu citrus fruits grown in Oita Prefecture. It has a similar flavor to yuzu pepper, but is slightly milder and can be used as a versatile seasoning.
It can be used as a snack by dipping it in kamaboko or sashimi, or in noodles, and it goes well with alcohol. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried chicken or fried chicken, which are recommended snacks.

For popular Oita shochu, go to a liquor store

Oita Prefecture has many brands of alcohol that are popular nationwide, including barley shochu. Barley shochu in particular is highly rated because it keeps well, can be enjoyed for a long time, and never gets old. Oita shochu is easy to sell, so it is popular in the alcohol buying market. The original price is not very high, so it does not sell for a high price, but it often sells for a stable price, making it an easy item to sell .
If you have any Oita alcohol such as barley shochu that you are storing but are not drinking, try asking a specialist alcohol buying store to appraise it before you let it go to waste . A store that specializes in buying alcohol can buy your Oita barley shochu at a fair price that is in line with the market price.
Linksus, a specialty store for buying alcohol, is also actively buying shochu from Oita. Of course, we also accept alcohol other than shochu, so if you are interested in selling alcohol, please feel free to contact us.
Click here to purchase alcohol in Oita

summary

Oita has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including barley shochu. Even within barley shochu, there is a wide range of flavors, depending on the koji used, the distillation method, and whether or not it has been aged.
In general, most of the alcohol in Oita is suitable for drinking with meals, and the appeal is that it can be enjoyed with food. It is also recommended for evening drinks and drinking parties, so be sure to check it out and find your favorite brand.