Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association | JSS

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The Basic Guide How is Shochu Made?

How is Shochu Made?

The process of making shochu involves fermentation and distillation. Regardless of the selected base ingredient, the basic method of shochu production remains the same.

Step 1

Making Koji

Koji provides the enzymes required to break down starch into sugar. It also produces citric acid that prevents the fermenting mash from spoilage.

Duration: 40 hours

Basic Process

Step 1

Steam polished rice.

Step 2

Cool steamed rice and sprinkle koji spores.

Step 3

Adjust temperature and humidity to cultivate koji mold on rice.

Step 2

Making the First Moromi
- Cultivating Yeast -

The first moromi is the starter mash made of koji, water, and yeast. This is where a sufficient amount of yeast is cultivated.

Duration: 3 to 8 days

What Happens In the Tank

Saccharification

Koji enzymes convert starch into sugar.

Yeast Multiplication

Yeast uses the sugar to multiply.

The Mash Turns Acidic

Koji produces citric acid and makes the mash acidic to around pH3 (the same as an apple).

Step 3

Making the Second Moromi
- Main Fermentation -

The second moromi is where the main fermentation process takes place. By the end of the fermentation, it contains about 14-19% of alcohol.

Duration: 2 weeks

Basic Process

Step 1

Steam base ingredient.

Step 2

Mix the base ingredient with the first moromi and water.

Step 3

Let it ferment.

Step 4

Post Fermentation Processes

Distillation

Alcohol and flavor components are extracted from the second moromi. The distillate usually contains around 37-45% alcohol. Sweet potato-based shochu acquires slightly less alcohol content compared to cereal-based shochu, at around 37-40%. For more information about distillation, read here.

Aging

After distillation, shochu makers filter the shochu and store it to develop a smoother taste. For more information about the aging process, read here.

Adjustment of Alcohol Content and Bottling

Most shochu is diluted with water to bring down the alcohol content to 20 to 25% before bottling.

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