Distillery: さつま無双 Satsuma Musou
Address: 1-1-17 Nanatsushima , Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Website: https://satsumamusou.co.jp/
Additional Content: Couldn't find much other than this CM.
Name: 赤もぐら Red Mogura
Type: 焼芋焼酎 Roasted Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
紅さつま芋（さつま芋）Beni Sweet Potato
-
米麹 Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose is clean and somewhat neutral to start. However, once this opens up a bit Mogura Red gives off a gentle wave sweet potato freshness along with a subtle sweetness that while still a bit nondescript does bring a nice warm feeling to the whole experience. Additionally, there is a faint alcohol note appears toward the end which helps to bring a little more of the softer vanilla and toasted rice to the surface. Overall, I was expecting a bit more as this is a roasted sweet potato Shōchū, but in the end this feels polished and quite approachable.
On the rocks: From the first sip you are treated to a pleasant intensity as Mogura Red strikes a beautiful balance between roasted sweet potato sweetness and a light caramel notes that ebb and flow between sweet and bitter. As this opens up a bit more with the melting ice you can find subtle hints of mature vanilla, cereal grain, toasted rice and dried fruit which build out a nice character that really extends the drinkability. The finish carries a gentle black pepper that lightly prickles the tongue and pushes you to the next sip or the next glass
水割り Diluted with water
Ratio 4:1: Mogura Red holds its structure well; however, it softens considerably, losing some intensity but gaining a rounded edges that still make this enjoyable.
Ratio 2:3: The profile becomes too mellow and light, with most of the bolder notes subdued and too washed out, although, interestingly the sweetness seems to rise to the top with a bit more dilution, not my preference though.
Reflections on this shōchū
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The bottle design is highly appealing, the Mogura series have consistent labels that strike an effective balance between rustic charm and classy.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 土竜長期甕寝かせ Mogura Chōki Unekase (3-years)
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
黄金千貫 Golden Sengen (Kagoshima)
-
Rice Koji米麹
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Initially quite neutral on the nose and like some of the other bottles of Mogura, after letting this open up a bit, the aromas gradually rise to the surface. There is gentle sweet potato sweetness that emerges first, followed by beautiful toasted rice and grain notes that bring this 3-year aged bottle of Mogura together perfectly. Additionally, the alcohol here is quite soft and does a good job of trying to carry everything forward to build a good anticipation for that first sip.
On the rocks: Mogura Chōki Unekase starts exceptionally smooth and provides a well-balanced sweet potato character that has a touch of sharpness and subtle black pepper accents to tie this together nicely. As the ice melts and opens up a bit more there is a delicate floral sweetness that has a hint of vanilla custard which adds a nice rang of depth to this 3-year aged bottle of Mogura. Additionally, the finish is a highlight, it is remarkably soft and understated with a nice background of sweet potato and mature vanilla. For an aged sweet potato Shōchū, you get a nice, straightforward profile that never sways into any extremes (most likely as this is proofed down to 25%) which makes this an easy bottle to go back for another glass.
Straight: Unusually light, almost as if there is little there, which can feel surprising at first for something neat in the glass. However, soon after this opens up a little, there is a mild sweet potato note that pulls you back in to the experience. The finish here is particularly enjoyable, carrying forward those vanilla, custard and toasted rice elements through to the end.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Another solid bottle in the Mogura series that fully lives up to expectations. Having now sampled quite a few bottles in this series, I look forward to any new releases from this distillery.
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I gifted a bottle of Mogura Koshu during the Christmas season, and it was warmly received and well enjoyed.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 2023年もぐら新酒 2023 Mogura Shinshu
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
黄金千貫 Golden Sengen (Kagoshima)
-
Rice Koji米麹
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Initially quite subtle and neutral; however, Mogura Shinshu opens up quite nicely with a little oxygen finally revealing a bit of what is inside. What pops out first is a fresh, vibrant sweet potato vibe that is backed by a soft but sweet confectionary aroma, the way these weave together is quite nice. This combintation reminds me of those Japanese sweet potato tarts or some dried sweet potato. Overall, this Mogura release from Satsuma Musou is highly aromatic, approachable, and ready to be enjoyed.
On the rocks: From the first sip, Mogura Shinshu delivers a fresh, crisp character with a pronounced bite, not overly sharp, but just enough to really makes its presence known. What I really enjoyed here was the sweet potato flavor which is up front and assertive, dominating the overall profile. While it feels like this bottle is a bit one-dimensional with limited development beyond the initial impact, for me, I think this is where this bottle succeeds. Additionally, the finish adds some subtle depth through faint hints of vanilla and toasted rice, although these fade a bit too quickly to really become fully part of the experience.
Straight: As would be expected, the sweet potato leads prominently, transitioning smoothly from sharp to softer tones of pure sweet potato bliss. This focus allows the alcohol to carry delicate notes of vanilla and cacao through to the finish which I really enjoyed. In the end, Mogura Shinshu performs well neat in the glass, though I personally prefer it on the rocks as I opened this up during the summer months, still quite good.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I acquired this bottle in December (of the previous year) and opened it over the summer, this was one of the better bottles I opened and I wish I had picked up an additional bottle to keep on the shelf.
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The 2024 edition was released in December and is certainly worth adding to the collection.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Unsurprisingly, like other bottles of Mogura the nose is remarkably neutral and restrained, offering only subtle hints of general sweetness that reminds me somewhat of peaches or candied fruits, along with a faint touch of earthy damp hay. Like the bottles of Mogura, the nose is not particularly intense or impactful; however, what is there is never in question of being lackluster.
On the rocks: The inherent sweetness of the sweet potato emerges with a gentle, refreshing bite—crisp rather than heavy—making this shochu highly drinkable, especially over multiple servings. The finish introduces pleasant earthy tones that transition smoothly into familiar vanilla and toasted rice notes, consistent with the Mogura Red and other expressions from this distillery. Overall, this is another strong release from Satsuma Musou, reinforcing the value of exploring more bottles in the series.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: Much of the character present on the rocks carries over, with the sharper elements softened considerably for an even smoother profile. While it remains enjoyable, I find on the rocks to be the most rewarding way to experience any bottle from the Mogura series.
Reflections on this shōchū
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The bottle design is particularly appealing, with the Mogura series featuring consistent labeling that strikes an effective balance between rustic charm and refined elegance.
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While I enjoyed this expression considerably, it lacked the bold impact that distinguishes the Mogura Red, which remains my favorite in the lineup to date.
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Priced slightly higher than comparable offerings in its category, this bottle truly excels when served on the rocks and maintains excellent character even when diluted with water.
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I am eager to explore further releases in the series, as several remain untried. In particular, I have yet to review the original Mogura, which I plan to add to my list.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: レンブランサもぐら Lembranca Mogura
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
えい紫 (鹿児島県産) Ei Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
白米麹 White Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose presents a prominent sweetness, accompanied by notes of wet hay, candied fruits, and subtle woody or oaky undertones. Overall, Lembrança Mogura is highly aromatic and thoroughly enjoyable both in the bottle and in the glass. With aeration, the initial sweetness softens appreciably, allowing lighter woody elements to emerge more prominently. This expression proves quite inviting and, prior to tasting, gives the impression of an excellent dessert-style shochu.
On the rocks: Lembrança Mogura delivers a rich, viscous profile brimming with sweetness, truly embodying the character of a dessert shochu. It would pair effectively with moderately bitter accompaniments such as dark chocolate. Served over ice, it is smooth and approachable, with melting ice gradually revealing more pronounced sweet potato notes that add welcome complexity beyond the dominant sweetness. While the sweetness is appealing, it proved somewhat intense for more than one serving in my experience. This bottle stands out as a promising candidate for culinary experimentation, particularly in desserts featuring chocolate or dark fruits, where it could contribute distinctive flavor.
Straight: Didn't try this time...
Reflections on this shōchū
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This limited release is highly recommended if you can locate a bottle, as it marks the first edition in several years, due to a shortage of Ei purple sweet potatoes.
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The Mogura series consistently delivers exceptional quality, a testament to the superior ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship employed in its production.
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I have one final Mogura expression left to review—the original. Although I have enjoyed it previously, my last tasting occurred well before launching this site, and I look forward to comparing it against the various other bottles sampled over the past couple of years.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: ベルカントもぐら Bel Canto Mogura
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋(鹿児島県産) Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
黄米麹 Yellow Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose beautifully integrates sweet vanilla, fragrant fresh-cut floral notes, and toasted rice, creating an aroma that is highly inviting and compelling. Bel Canto stands out for its remarkable brightness, which paired exceptionally well with the warm late-summer evening (despite being late September). A distinct fruity note also emerges, reminiscent of cherry Jolly Rancher or watermelon candy.
On the rocks: Mirroring the nose, Bel Canto feels exceptionally fresh on the palate—bright, smooth, and remarkably easy-drinking. The familiar vanilla, toasted rice, and sweet potato notes common to the Mogura series remain prominent, yet here they appear even more refined and appealing than in previous expressions. While direct comparison to other Mogura bottles would be ideal, this remains a strong entry in the lineup, striking an excellent balance between freshness and sweetness. Bel Canto serves as an ideal introduction to sweet potato shochu for newcomers.
Straight: While enjoyable on the rocks, Bel Canto truly excels when served straight. It offers a pleasant sweetness that harmonizes seamlessly with the vanilla, toasted rice, and sweet potato elements, making it an ideal sipping drink. The more pronounced floral notes from the nose translate effectively to the palate, allowing this expression to be appreciated in a variety of serving styles.
Reflections on this shōchū
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The Mogura series continues to impress without fail—this is another excellent offering well worth exploring.
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This tasting marked one of my first experiences enjoying a Mogura expression straight, serving as a valuable reminder of the benefits of venturing beyond familiar serving preferences in shochu appreciation.
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From a value perspective, it is entirely justified at the price paid, which was just under 2,000 JPY.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 悪魔の抱擁 Akuma no Hōyō l'etreinte du Diable
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋(鹿児島県産) Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
米麹 Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose is remarkably light and neutral, with subtle sweetness evoking lychee and vanilla, complemented by candied fruit notes derived from oak aging. Overall, Akuma no Hōyō is highly inviting both in the bottle and in the glass, delivering an immediately appealing impression from the very first taste.
On the rocks: This expression offers a fresh, vibrant profile with pronounced notes strongly reminiscent of brandy or cognac—though not to the extent of Ohishi—adding an impressive layer of flavor and depth from the outset. The oak influence begins smoothly, contributing pleasant cherry, vanilla, and raisin elements, before a distinctive prickly black pepper emerges on the finish. This is a shochu that invites repeated enjoyment without getting old, a clear top bottle of 2024. Indeed, upon finishing the bottle, I promptly acquired a second for future enjoyment.
Straight: While not as bright as when served on the rocks, this expression reveals a deeper sweetness reminiscent of raw Okinawa brown sugar. After the initial wave of sweetness recedes, a pleasant prickly black pepper finish develops, gradually giving way to subtle vanilla and raisin notes. Ultimately, it performs best on the rocks, though it remains worthwhile to sample straight if the opportunity arises.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Immediately bought a second bottle, no further comment needed.
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Oak-aged rice shochu has quickly become one of my preferred categories, likely due to its notable similarities to whiskey or simply its inherent excellence.
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Information on this bottle proved scarce online; however, available sources suggest it is a relatively rare release, with some indications of a production limited to approximately 1,000 bottles—all the more incentive to secure a backup.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: あやかし福助 Ayakashi Fukusuke
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
黄金千貫 Golden Sengen (Kagoshima)
-
米麹 Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: This bottle from Satsuma Musou delivers a refined sweet potato shochu experience. Initially subdued, it opens up beautifully with aeration. On the nose, Ayakashi Fukusuke achieves seamless integration, where the alcohol supports rather than overshadows the pure sweet potato aroma and its accompanying sweeter notes. Notably, the prominent vanilla evident when served on the rocks is absent here, which adds to the intrigue of trying new bottles.
On the rocks: The first sip reveals intense candied vanilla, quickly followed by a surge of sweet potato, resulting in a well-balanced profile that avoids heaviness in either direction. One of the standout qualities of Ayakashi Fukusuke is its remarkable freshness and smoothness, with no heavy elements detracting from its exceptional drinkability. The finish brings waves of black pepper alongside recurring sweet potato sweetness and fleeting vanilla hints. As the ice melts substantially, much of the shochu’s distinctive appeal fades, heightening anticipation for a future neat tasting.
Straight: Ayakashi Fukusuke begins soft, smooth, and subtle before the sweet potato flavor fully emerges, delivering a pure expression reminiscent of the first bite of a freshly grilled sweet potato. The finish offers an initial bite of black pepper and alcohol, which carries lingering subtle sweetness and vanilla notes that persist pleasantly for an extended period.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Reflecting on this bottle, Ayakashi Fukusuke stands out as one that deserved a place among my top selections for 2024. It excelled across all aspects, from its aromatic and flavorful profile to the attractive, well-executed label design.
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I particularly enjoyed it on the rocks during the peak of summer heat this year, where the fresh sweet potato character proved exceptionally refreshing and drinkable, often making it difficult to limit oneself to a single serving.
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Served neat in the glass, it also performed admirably, pairing well with light snacks. This expression is certainly worth seeking out and experiencing firsthand.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 白原酒 Shiro Genshu
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū Genshu
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋(鹿児島産) Satsuma Sweet Potato
-
米麹 Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 37%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: This is an elegant sweet potato shochu with a pronounced floral character, featuring notes of lavender and vanilla. Mid-way, subtle earthy elements emerge, which I found particularly appealing. A gentle sweetness persists throughout, harmoniously uniting the profile. Despite its 37% ABV, the alcohol remains remarkably well-integrated, delivering no harsh impact even on deeper inhalation.
On the rocks: It opens with restrained sweetness that quickly transitions into a vibrant, floral sweet potato expression—fresh and smooth on the palate. Shiro Genshu evokes subtle similarities to shochu produced with potato koji, displaying a mild prickly black pepper sensation at the back of the throat that adds welcome complexity. The finish is notably pleasing, with lingering lavender notes that encourage slow, deliberate sipping.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: A modest addition of water softens the overall intensity while preserving the elements that distinguish Shiro Genshu. Given the 37% ABV, this mellowing effect is expected yet effective. Notably, the sweetness becomes more pronounced, allowing the black pepper to recede and highlighting the lavender notes previously evident on the rocks. Overall, I found this expression enjoyable both on the rocks and when lightly diluted, particularly for extending to a second serving.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I acquired this bottle in Kagoshima from the hotel gift shop. While the price was likely higher than retail, the circumstances—enjoying a few drinks beforehand and unexpectedly encountering an extensive shochu selection—led to an impulsive purchase.
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In retrospect, I regret not capturing a better photograph of the bottle.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Bottle Label
Name: 薩摩安納 火焔山 Kaensan
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
-
安納芋(鹿児島産) Satsuma Sweet Potato (Anno)
-
黒米麹 Black Rice Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 30%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Immediately appealing, opening with a vibrant burst of fresh sweet potato complemented by dried fruit notes, particularly apricot and raisin, creating a highly inviting aroma. With aeration, Kaensan develops gentle, subtle floral elements—including hints of lavender, wildflowers, and honeysuckle. At 30% ABV, the alcohol remains discreet, serving a supportive role that enhances and carries the flavors forward without dominating.
On the rocks: Kaensan delivers an exceptionally pleasurable experience over ice. The initial sip presents a viscous, balanced sweetness that provides gentle warmth without overwhelming, paving the way for subsequent layers. Prominent notes include sweet potato, dried fruits, grainy cereal (reminiscent of Quaker O's), vanilla, and custard. As the ice melts, the sweetness intensifies slightly, evoking brown sugar, while the grain elements become more pronounced—making this an excellent choice for a nightcap. The finish is particularly satisfying, with sweetness interweaving among sweet potato, vanilla, and dried fruit notes. Overall, this serving style is highly enjoyable.
Straight: The profile is notably softer than anticipated, particularly in sweetness, which is present but less assertive than when served on the rocks. The finish performs well, with the alcohol effectively carrying the sweet potato and subtler notes through to a lingering conclusion.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I acquired this bottle during travel—though the exact location escapes me—and, as with most such discoveries, I am thoroughly pleased with the purchase. Kaensan excels across all serving styles, particularly in the bottle and on the rocks.
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This bottle has become one of my preferred nightcaps, offering a finely balanced sweetness alongside a broad spectrum of flavors that unfold beautifully with each pour. Well worth the investment, regardless of the precise price paid.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 竈 Kamado
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留（高温蒸留）(Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
-
黄金千貫 Golden Sengen (Kagoshima)
-
白米麹 Rice White Koji (Kagoshima)
Alcohol: 30%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose is subtly floral with well-rounded sweet potato notes. On deeper inhalation, a faint sharpness emerges—initially elusive but gradually evocative of slightly sour raspberry hard candies. Unlike many clay pot (kame)-aged shochu, which often acquire earthy characteristics, Kamado remains notably fresh and clean. Overall, the aroma is restrained yet highly inviting, encouraging further exploration.
On the rocks: Exceptionally smooth, particularly as the ice begins to melt, Kamado softens considerably, yielding a gentle, rounded profile. While no single flavor dominates, the ensemble proves highly drinkable. Compared to the straight serving, the prominent vanilla and toasted rice/grain notes are present but more subdued than preferred. For a sweet potato shochu aged three years in clay pots, there is surprisingly little earthy or drying influence from the vessel; instead, it maintains a clean, fresh character—an observation rather than a drawback.
Straight: Kamada opens with an immediate burst of vanilla and fresh sweet potato—intense yet fleeting. The vanilla and toasted rice/grain notes linger pleasantly on the finish for a moderate duration. Eventually, the alcohol introduces subtle sharpness, but it remains balanced and never overpowering. Overall, serving neat provides a rewarding way to appreciate this shochu.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this bottle. Kamado presents an exceptional nose that effectively foreshadows a rewarding tasting experience.
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Kamado performs admirably on the rocks, where the core elements integrate seamlessly and deliver strong appeal. However, the standout notes—particularly on the finish—prove somewhat fleeting.
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A similar observation applies when served straight: the initial intensity and appealing flavors are impressive, yet the profile fades more quickly than ideal.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 坐忘 Zabou
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋 Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
米麹 Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Initially remarkably neutral—almost imperceptible—the nose eventually reveals subtle fresh sweet potato notes that emerge with gentle swirling. While pleasant, these aromas remain understated. This appears to be the lightest expression I have encountered from Satsuma Musou, leading to anticipation that it may reveal more complexity on the palate.
On the rocks: Mellow from the outset, Zabou presents a consistent, moderate sweetness that persists through to the finish. The sweet potato notes are present but restrained, offering decent freshness balanced by a touch of sharpness. As the ice melts, the sweetness intensifies slightly, though little additional development occurs. Overall, it performs adequately on the rocks and would suit an izakaya setting well.
Straight: SSoft and subtle, with a pleasant black pepper note that gently stimulates the tongue and back of the throat. A supporting sweetness runs throughout without dominating, carrying through to the finish. While enjoyable as a sippable shochu, nothing particularly distinctive emerges, and the finish proves relatively brief.
Paired with Chocolate: Shochu and chocolate—particularly when the chocolate is not overly sweet—pair exceptionally well. Zabou complements the rich cacao beautifully, introducing just enough sharpness to evoke the impression of a chocolate-cherry cake with a smooth, rounded, almost creamy texture. This combination suggests strong potential for incorporating shochu into hot cacao, a pairing worth exploring further.
Reflections on this shōchū
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While not unsatisfactory, this shochu falls somewhat short when compared to the many outstanding bottles I have enjoyed from Satsuma Musou. Expectations shaped by prior expressions may have contributed to this assessment.
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Like the Mogura series and others from the distillery, the presentation is elegantly understated. The label design and overall simplicity are particularly appealing, making it an excellent choice as a souvenir to bring home.
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On a positive note, it pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, suggesting strong potential for culinary applications, particularly in dessert preparation.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: もぐら Mogura
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋 Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
米麹 Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The aroma leads with a bright, prominent sweet potato note that strikes a clean balance between subtle sweetness and rich earthiness. Supporting elements include faint vanilla and dried fruits—primarily apricot—along with wet hay and a touch of grain. These characteristics remain consistent with much of the Mogura line, and create a comforting feeling for what is in the glass.
On the rocks: At first, Mogura is a bit tight in its flavor profile; however, a little ice enhances the potato shochu significantly, amplifying and integrating the sweetness. What you end up with is a sweet potato that blends seamlessly with vanilla, light custard, cacao, and more pronounced dried fruit notes that emerge toward the finish, resulting in exceptional drinkability. A subtle sweet-grain character in the background—reminiscent of lightly sweetened breakfast cereals—adds balance. This consistency and approachability make Mogura a standout choice as an izakaya-style shochu.
Straight: The profile is smooth and restrained, with no single element overpowering the others. Dry, earthy tones dominate the back palate, while the finish is soft and relatively subdued. Little of the sweetness, vanilla, custard, or dried fruit carries through; instead, a mild bitter cacao note and a hint of black pepper linger.
Paired with Chocolate: The combination works well. The shochu complements the intense dark chocolate, accentuating its depth and revealing a subtle cherry-like note on the finish.
Reflections on this shōchū
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This bottle marked the beginning of my experience with the Mogura line, and revisiting it several years later confirms that it remains impressive and something worth sharing.
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It is highly recommended for sessions involving multiple servings, offering excellent versatility and pairing seamlessly with the style of food typically served in an izakaya.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: もぐら10年 Mogura 10-year
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
さつま芋 Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
米麹 Rice Koji
Alcohol: 30%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Straight out of the bottle, Mogura 10-year opens with a prominent, rich sweet potato note that initially feels bold and intense but quickly resolves into a lighter, fresher sweet potato which is followed by mature vanilla and subtle fresh butterscotch. Despite the 10-year aging, there is little pronounced earthiness or other notes that carry over from its long rest. After a little oxygen, a delicate young maple wood note emerges, enhancing the overall freshness and building anticipation for what will be in the glass. Overall, the nose presents a refined and polished sweet potato shochu.
On the rocks: Mogura does it again, just beautiful. As soon as the first sip hits your tongue, you almost feel overwhelmed as this has so much going on, not too much to make this uncomfortable, but enough to keep you guessing on what is next. Drinking this on-the-rocks transforms the experience beautifully. The first sip after the ice melts a bit delivers a complex, layered intensity—never overwhelming, yet richly engaging. Sweet potato leads prominently at the outset, but as the palate adjusts, floral lavender-like notes appear alongside mature vanilla and a touch of cereal grain. As the ice melts further, these elements integrate seamlessly, creating a harmonious and contemplative profile. The finish is notably fresh, with lingering lavender that invites the next sip and the next one after that.
Straight: Exceptionally smooth and approachable, the 30% ABV never feels warm or aggressive, making it dangerously easy to drink neat. The entry highlights sweet potato with an underlying attractive sweetness and a fresh floral character—present but less pronounced than on the rocks. The finish transitions smoothly into mature vanilla and gentle baking spices reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon, delivering a highly enjoyable experience all the way to the end.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I was pa
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: もぐら群青 Mogura Gunjou
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
-
紅はるか Beni Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
白麹 White Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: An interesting balance between sharp and sweet, with the alcohol quite forward and adding to that initial sharpness. Much like most bottles of Mogura, once this opens up, there is a beautiful sweet potato warmth that spills from the bottle with splashes of sweet vanilla, dried fruits and a fresh almost woody note that really brings everything together nicely. That warmth carries over well as the bottle with its aquamarine (Gunjou) hue gives off the right vibes to match this summery night. Overall, Mogura Gunjou brings a bit more at the start than a lot of the other bottles I have opened in this series, quite interested to see what this will bring in the glass.
On the rocks: Bright and fresh with just a bit of sharpness on the back end, nothing too heavy but makes itself known. Once this settles in and opens up a bit more, Mogura Gunjou becomes mellow very quickly which gives the softer more subtle notes a chance to rise to the surface. What really stands out are the warmer, sweeter notes that carry the vanilla, cereal grain and smooth sweet potato through to the finish and tie everything together quite nicely. Unfortunately, as the ice melts a bit more, Gunjou really mellows out and sadly loses a lot of what makes this a nice glass to sip.
Straight: Super smooth and surprisingly chocolatey to start with a fresh sweet potato that adds a good contrast to balance everything out. The cacao vibe is a bit dark and warm with some interesting dried fruit notes that carry through on the finish making this quite a nice experience. The finish is also a standout as that sweet vanilla and cereal grain carries on long after the last sip.
Paired with Chocolate: Tonny's Chocolonely 70% Dark chocolate. Surprisingly not the best match but interestingly comes across a lot like chocolate covered almonds, other than that not a lot going on.