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. 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.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of sweet potato noodles, taro custard, jerky, kimchi, and roasted squash with a satiny, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, medium-length finish. A delicate, starchy and food-friendly Shochu for the table.

Clear color. Fruity aromas and flavors of candied lime and tangerine, cherry-sesame nougat bar, ripe melon, sweet rice, and banana confection with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, breezy finish with notes of sweet yogurt. A fruity Shochu with wide appeal; try in effervescent cocktails.

Slivery straw color. Toasty aromas of cinnamon-raisin bread, lime leaf, milk toast, toasted coconut, maple creme with walnuts, and black tea with cream with a round, crisp, fruity medium body and a sleek, charming, medium-length peach pie, rocky road ice cream, and rice pudding finish. A creamy oaked Shochu that could be a very appealing after-dinner pour; try in stirred cocktails too.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of nougat with toasted almonds, vanilla custard, and amaranth with a soft, bright, light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, breezy finish with accents of lemon chew candies and rice milk. A creamy and soft Soju with sweet notes of creamy vanilla.

Clear color. Aromas of sweet yogurt, white strawberry, and under-ripe plum with a supple, soft, light body and a sleek, short powdered sugar and corn flakes in milk finish. A smooth, simple and easy-drinking Soju.