Is Shochu a Strong Alcohol? Understanding Japan's Diverse Spirit
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4 min read
Shochu, a distilled Japanese spirit, is generally perceived as a strong alcohol, yet its typical alcohol by volume (ABV) often sits lower than spirits like vodka or whiskey. This perception is shaped by its distillation process and diverse preparation methods, which allow for a range of strengths and flavor profiles. Understanding shochu requires looking beyond its distilled nature to its two main types, honkaku and korui, and how they impact its final potency.