Top Picks for Asian Spirits

Clear color. Floral aromas and flavors of lilac, violet, dried apricot, candied citrus, and sweet ginger with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length finish manifesting suggestions of rice milk and spiced cherries. A pisco-like Shochu with extroverted perfumed floral character; a great choice for cocktails and pairing with spicy foods.

Clear color. Savory aromas of roasted sweet potato, toasted garlic, blackened carrot, earthy green tea, and mushroom broth with a round, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, elegant, medium-long roasted bacon wrapped dates, quark, fried noodles, and soy finish. A mouthwatering, savory Shochu to complement a wide variety of meals; try in craft cocktails too.

Clear color. Floral aromas of violet, tea rose, pear blossom, mixed melon, and cherry with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, long floral waters, pink peppercorn, and fresh sweet potato noodles finish. Swap this Asian spirit for pisco or gin in craft cocktails or just sip the vividly floral tipple on its own to experience an avant garde approach to shochu.

Awards: 2018 Best Shochu

Brilliant clear color. Aromas of plantain peel and flesh, galangal, banana nut bran muffin, water chestnut pressed linen, and grass with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, nuanced, very long zucchini bread with chestnut honey, pink peppercorns, nut brittle, and minerals finish. A vivacious and tasty baijiu for all occasions.

Awards: 2017 Best Baijiu

Clear color. Savory, smoky aromas and flavors of baked sweet potato, preserved lime, black snake, alliums, and marinated mushrooms with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a graceful, complex, medium-length finish that exhibits overtones of roasted carrot, pickled ginger, and mint finish. A chewy, savory Shochu that will make a great dinner pairing; lots of nuance to explore.

Brilliant clear color. Aromas and flavors of toasted nut brittle, peppered roasted pineapple and apple, fruit pastry and teas, and model glue and chlorine with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, intricate, long finish with elements of nut and honey syrup, caramelized nuts and root vegetables, pepper and garlic, and fish tank finish. A rich, yet nuanced savory baijiu that will appeal to whisky drinkers.

Brilliant clear color. Aromas and flavors of yeasty dough, drying paint and licked manilla envelope, magic marker cap, and roasted coconut water with a supple, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, captivating, long finish with notes of chestnut syrup, jackfruit, and pepper and olive tapenade finish. A vibrant, tropical baijiu for stimulating shots and rum cocktails.

Brilliant clear color. Earthy aromas and flavors of wax and parchment paper, moss, plum water, and yeasty dough with a silky, soft, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length finish revealing nuances of powdered sugar, rice licorice candy, and date finish. A clean, food-friendly and lengthy shochu that is a delight to sip; white wine drinkers will love this elegant shochu.

Brilliant gold color. Complex aromas and flavors of grilled and caramelized whole plantains and nuts, hot copper pot, and ground nuts and minerals with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an even, interesting, medium-long finish displaying notes of wet alpaca wool, leather bound book, rice water and plant, and brown sugar in chamomile tea finish. A rich and refined Batavia Arrack for sipping or cocktails.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of gunpowder, black lime, marinated mushrooms, miso-caramel, water chestnut, and charcoal with a satiny, soft, dry light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish that presents notes of mixed melon salad, kabocha squash, and toasted sesame. A rock-solid Shochu with classic, food-friendly flavors.