Ikinokura Distillery
Prefecture: Nagasaki
Family: Ishibashi, Yoshida, Shinozaki, Harada
Founded: 1984
Distiller: Tomohiro Maue
Visit the Distillery
520, Fure Yutake-Honmura, Ashibecho, Iki-shi, Nagasaki 811-5753
About The Distillery
Iki Island, located two and a half hours Northwest of Fukuoka by ferry, has been a cultural and trading gateway to Kyushu since ancient times. Traders brought the knowledge of distillation from the Korean Peninsula to the island over 500 years ago (circa early 16th Century), making Iki Island the birthplace of Barley shochu.
Iki no Kura Distillery is situated in the middle of the island surrounded by an abundance of local barley, rice and pure spring water; the distillery has been committed to traditional Honkaku single pot distillation for generations. In 1995 the World Trade Organization recognized the unique character and distilling traditions of Iki Shochu and awarded the island Geographical Indication status. Today, even if the ingredients and manufacturing are the same, no shochu may use the name “Iki Shochu” unless it’s made on Iki Island.
Iki shochu, which has the sweetness of rice koji and the aroma of barley, is a distilled spirit that represents Japan and is recognized worldwide.
Iki Shochu was the first WTO GI ever issued to a Japanese alcoholic product.
Ikinokura Shochu & Liqueur Products
Yuzu Liqueur
柚子リキュール
Ikinokura Distillery | Nagasaki Prefecture
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With Iki Honkaku Mugi Shochu as the base, this liqueur is produced with the addition of fresh, ripe yuzu grown and sourced from the Miyazaki Prefecture, arguably the best yuzu fruit in Japan. Yuzu Liqueur is beautifully concentrated yet delicate. The distillery has mastered the ideal combination
of citrus and sugars to create a refreshing and highly sessionable low-alcohol beverage.
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Best Served:
Chilled | On the Rocks | In a CocktailFlavor Profile:
Refreshing and low sugar, balanced with concentrated flavors of Yuzu citrus, lemon and grapefruit. -
Ingredients: Barley grown on Iki Island Yuzu from Miyazaki Prefecture
Distilling: Vacuum / Decompression
Koji: White
Aging: Avg. 6 months in tanks
Alc by Vol: 7%
Qualities: Additive-Free, Gluten-FreeAvailable Sizes: 750ml
"Nadeshiko"
True Beauty
本格焼酎 (麦) なでしこ
Honkaku Mugi Shochu
Ikinokura Distillery | Nagasaki Prefecture
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True Beauty Barley Shochu is a modern variation on a 400 year-old Ikijima distilling tradition. Using prized local ingredients of barley, rice, wildflower yeast, white koji and refined vacuum distillation True Beauty delivers the famous Iki Island barley shochu polish with a sweet flourish of cherry essence.
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Best Served: On the Rocks | Chilled | In a Cocktail
Flavor Profile: Smooth light barley and cherry blossom notes, subtle sweetness, crisp clean finish. -
Ingredients: 67% Iki Island Barley & 33% Rice
Distilling: Vacuum Decompression
Koji: White
Aging: Minimum 6 months in ceramic tanks
Alc by Vol: 25%
Qualities: Honkaku, Additive-Free, Gluten-FreeAvailable Sizes: 750ml
"Taiso"
Ancient Greatness
本格焼酎（麦）太祖
Honkaku Mugi Shochu
Ikinokura Distillery | Nagasaki Prefecture
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Ancient Greatness barley shochu represents the very root of Iki Honkaku Shochu and its 400 year-old production tradition. It develops its depth and smoothness from atmospheric distillation, Iki grown rice and barley, black koji and pure volcanic well-water. Iki Honkaku Shochu was awarded a World Trade Organization designation elevating their Shochu to a status shared by Champagne, Bordeaux, Scotch Whiskey, etc.
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Best Served:
Cellar | On the Rocks | Warmed
Flavor Profile:
Refined notes of barley, toasted cereal grains and koji umami, long deep finish. -
Ingredients: 67% Iki Island Barley & 33% Rice
Distilling: Vacuum / Decompression
Koji: White
Aging: Minimum 6 months in ceramic tanks
Alc by Vol: 25%
Qualities: Honkaku, Additive-Free, Gluten-FreeAvailable Sizes: 750ml
