Shochu is a distilled beverage from Japan that is made from either barley, buckwheat, sweet potatoes or rice. The alcoholic content is generally 25%, although a shochu that is multi-distilled can be as high as 35%. It is normally consumed on its own or on the rocks or sometimes with fruit juice.

Shochu can be aged in various vessels, including steel tanks, wooden barrels or clay pots. The flavors will depend on which type of vessel was used; flavors and aroma vary from pastry dough to roasted chestnuts to fruit cake. Some have an earthy, grassy finish, while others are more like aged whisky. (Wine/Chemistry & Flaws)