Distillery: 尾鈴山蒸留所 Osuzuyama
Address: 656-17, Kuratani, Ishikawauchi, Kijo-cho, Koyu-gun, Miyazaki
Website: https://osuzuyama.co.jp/en/
Additional Content: Nothing at this time
Name: 山ねこ Yama Neko
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
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甘藷（ジョイホワイト）Joy White Sweet Potato
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米麹（山田錦）Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Bright and slightly sweet to start, with some subtle hints of lychee and syrupy fruits. Initially this is pretty straightforward; however, once this opens up, there are some fresh sweet potato and lavender like floral notes that rises beautifully to the top. Additionally, there is also a s soft trace of alcohol that adds a light sourness to balance out the sweeter side of Yama Neko, overall, very excited to get this in the glass.
On the rocks: Spicy and tingly right from the first sip, there is a black pepper-like prickliness that hits the back of the throat along with a subtle sweetness that follows through on the finish to round out an intense first sip. After a bit of adjustment you can find some overripe fruit that is paired nicely with a touch of sourness reminiscent of dark chocolate and lavender. As the ice melts, the sharper notes soften, allowing sweet potato to shine and be more of a backdrop for the rest of what Yama Neko has to offer. Highly enjoyable overall, with a lingering finish that weaves between sweet and sharp, making this an easy bottle to go back to for another glass.
水割り Diluted with water
Ratio 4:1: The sharpness mellows quite a bit as expected allowing the sweet potato to form a perfect foundation for the softer notes to build on. To start, there are some nice ripe fruit and chocolate-like tones that while not supper impactful but add a nice rounded complexity. The lychee, fruit, and peppery spiciness is still there but much softer and while this is not a bad way to enjoy Yama Neko, I think on the rocks or neat (which I forgot to capture my notes on) is the best way to enjoy this bottle.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I’ve now tried the original and the two special editions of Yama Neko and each one has its own uniqueness and profile. For me, the original is noticeably less sweet than the two other "special" bottles, still a great go-to bottle for sharing.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 山ねこ銅釜蒸留 Yama Neko Copper Still
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 銅釜蒸留 (Copper Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
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甘藷（ジョイホワイト）Joy White
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米麹（山田錦）Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
Notes: As soon as you open up this "Copper Still" version of Yama Neko, you are gifted with a wash of subtle sweetness that blends seamlessly with toasted rice and classic sweet potato notes to form a fragrant and highly inviting profile. As this opens up a bit more, the sweetness becomes a bit more prominent, not dessert territory but certainly more visible. Overall, the alcohol remains virtually undetectable, and what is there helps carry some of the softer aromas to the top delivering a clean, clear, and enjoyable nose that builds strong anticipation for that first sip.
On the rocks: Simply amazing, the first sip is an explosion of toasted rice, deep caramel a hint of vanilla and of course the star of the show, a wonderfully smooth and rich sweet potato that brings everything together. There is an interesting sweetness that binds to the caramel notes, it is hard to describe but certainly add a lot to the overall balance. As the ice melts, Yama Nako mellows out nicely with a softer sweetness that gives the sweet potato freshenss a bigger chance to shine which adds to the drinkability. Similar to the other special edition Yamaneko, this is a nice the perfect after dinner glass to sip.
水割り Diluted with water
Ratio 4:1: With a little bit of water, the sweetness really stands out and becomes very forward, maybe a bit too much and felt that while I typically enjoy a second glass after doing these notes, for this one, it started to feel a bit too rich for me.
Ratio 2:3: Similar to the above, just less pronounced sweetness, maybe the better choice if you are planning to have more than one glass
Reflections on this shōchū
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I really enjoy seeking out and discovering these non-standard offerings from Osuzuyama, and this particular version of Yama Neko provided a completely different experience compared to the one made with Yamada Nishiki rice as well as the standard version
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My feelings about this bottle are mixed, primarily around drinkability. The first glass is enjoyable and balanced, but the pronounced sweetness and richness start to feel heavy by the second glass, certainly a nice after dinner glass to sip though.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 山ねこ 麹米山田錦 Yama Neko Koji Kome Yamada
Type: 芋焼酎 Sweet Potato Shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
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甘藷（ジョイホワイト）Joy White
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米麹（山田錦）Rice Koji
Alcohol: 25%
In the bottle: Beautifully sweet and floral to start with notes of lychee and candied & syrupy fruits being the most dominant out of the gate. Once this opens up a bit more, the sweet potato really starts to shine and brings a nice richness that balances very nicely with the sharper floral side. Speaking of the sweet potato, this bottle of Yama Neko builds very nicely on the well established formula from Osuzuyama for fragrant shōchū which only adds more anticipation for what is in the bottle.
On the rocks: The floral and lychee flavors dominate as it spreads on the palate, with the sweet potato blending in, albeit a bit hard to find at first but after a few sips you can certainly find it. The finish is perfectly balanced and there is a nice potato shōchū flavor lingers but never feels unwelcome. Overall, this is an incredibly enjoyable shōchū to sip and this bottle emptied a bit faster than I would have liked.
水割り Diluted with water
Ratio 4:1: While I prefer, on the rocks, diluted with a little water and this really opens up and the sweet fruit notes smooth, making this a nice after dinner drink.
Ratio 2:3: This holds up reasonably well with some of the sweetness remaining; however at this ratio you lose too much of what makes this shōchū so nice.
Enjoy on the rocks
Reflections on this shōchū
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I really enjoy hunting down and exploring these non-standard offerings from Osuzuyama, and this particular Yamaneko variant was an absolute win. From the beautiful, expressive aroma—bright lychee, candied fruit, and floral lift—to the perfectly balanced sweetness on the palate, it delivered everything I look for in a refined yet approachable imo shōchū.
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This is a definite reorder for me and one I can highly recommend to anyone wanting to step outside the usual everyday range. The fruit-forward elegance, layered floral notes, and clean drinkability make it stand out without feeling overly experimental or niche.
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Like everything from Osuzuyama, the quality is consistently high, and at a mid-range price point (typically around 1,800 JPY for the lineup), it offers excellent value—especially as a limited or special-edition product that pushes the boundaries while remaining accessible.
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Having now tasted both non-standard Yamaneko variants, I’m convinced the standard/original version belongs on my target list next. Osuzuyama continues to impress with thoughtful production, estate-grown ingredients, and expressions that reward exploration—whether you prefer bright and fruity or richer toasted profiles. A distillery worth keeping close on the radar.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 山翡翠 Yama Semi
Type: 米焼酎 Rice shōchū
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
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米 Rice
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Rice Koji (Hanakagura)米麹（はなかぐら）
Alcohol: 25%
In the bottle: Surprisingly soft and neutral at first, with only a gentle hint of rice and subtle sweetness. With swirling and oxygen exposure, more distinctive rice shōchū character emerges—clean, fragrant, and layered—revealing the thoughtful craftsmanship typical of Osuzuyama's estate-grown Hanakagura rice and self-cultured yeast. A slight tinge of alcohol is present but minimal, keeping the nose clear and enjoyable without distraction.
On the rocks: Excellent from the very first sip. An intense, beautiful wash of toasted rice, vanilla, and caramel floods the palate in a wonderfully smooth, rich expression. As the ice melts, sweetness from the rice spreads gracefully, adding depth and character without overwhelming. The alcohol on the finish remains supportive rather than dominant, carrying softer notes through to a clean, lingering close. This service style highlights the shōchū's refined balance and makes it highly rewarding for slow sipping.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: The toasted rice flavor opens up noticeably and becomes more prominent, with a pleasant, lingering vanilla smoothness on the palate. Light dilution enhances the grain-forward elegance while maintaining overall harmony—ideal for a refined, easy-drinking pour.
2:3 Ratio: Toasted rice mellows further, and the sweetness of vanilla and caramel softens significantly. While still drinkable and balanced, it loses some of the vibrancy and richness that make Yamahisui compelling—less preferred compared to lighter dilutions or on the rocks.
Enjoy on the rocks
Reflections on this shōchū
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Yamahisui (also known as Yamasemi / 山翡翠) is a standout kame-tsubo aged rice shōchū from Osuzuyama, using locally grown Hanakagura rice, white koji, and self-cultured yeast. The result is a clean, elegant expression with flinty, creamy, and subtly smoky notes—highly versatile and drinkable across styles. It exemplifies the distillery's consistent quality in producing refined, characterful shōchū that reward exploration. A great choice for rice shōchū enthusiasts seeking subtlety and balance.
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Yamahisui delivers a wonderfully rich rice shōchū experience, with beautiful toasted rice and vanilla-caramel notes that unfold elegantly. The profile starts full and expressive on the rocks, then mellows gracefully as the ice melts, allowing the core grain character to shine through with added depth and smoothness—making it highly enjoyable for slow, contemplative sipping.
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At a mid-range price point (typically around 1,800–2,000 JPY based on Osuzuyama’s lineup), it offers excellent value: high-quality production, refined balance, and distinctive toasted richness without venturing into premium pricing territory. A strong buy for anyone seeking a standout kome shōchū that punches above its weight.
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The bottle labeling stands out positively—the kanji design has a clean, stylish elegance that complements the aesthetic of Osuzuyama’s other expressions (potato and wheat varieties included). It feels cohesive and thoughtful, reflecting the distillery’s attention to detail across the portfolio.
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This was my first experience with shōchū from Osuzuyama, and it set an impressive standard. The combination of estate-grown Hanakagura rice, white koji, self-cultured yeast, and kame-tsubo aging results in a clean, layered, and approachable rice shōchū that feels both refined and characterful. I’m genuinely excited to dive into the two potato shōchū bottles I have waiting—expecting similar quality and drinkability. Osuzuyama is quickly becoming a distillery to watch closely for anyone exploring Miyazaki/Kagoshima-region offerings.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 尾鈴山 山猿 Osuzuyama Yamazaru
Type: 麦焼酎 Barley Shōchū
蒸留方法: 単式蒸留 (Pot Distillation)
Ingredients:
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麦（国産）Barley
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麦麹（国産）Barley Koji
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks or Straight
In the bottle: Rich, velvety, and chocolatey are the first things that come to mind when you crack open Yamazaru from Osuzuyama. This bottle has a lot to live up to considering their other offerings, and I can clearly say it lives up to expectations. It pops with a very distinct richness that immediately pulls you in and makes you want to hurry and pour a glass. Once a little air gets in, that initial impact fades a bit, and this is where the barley notes really rise to the top and take center stage. What stands out are the earthy, wet hay, and toasted grain that back an interesting chocolate vibe that really pulls this all together.
On the rocks: Much like the nose, the first sip is incredibly smooth and chocolatey, not exactly dark cacao but not milk chocolate either; it reminds me a bit of a chocolate ganache, just a bit lighter. Yamazaru does a great job of marrying the initial impact notes with a beautiful barley backdrop that mixes both earthy and sweet to create something quite magical, at least at the start. Unfortunately, as the ice melts a bit too much (I am drinking this on another hot night in Hiroshima), what makes this such a pleasure to sip fades away quite quickly. It does not fade away completely but it does mellow out significantly. Overall, this is another excellent bottle, and if you are into mugi that is a bit richer, then this is a great bottle to try.
Straight: I can very much imagine enjoying this neat in the glass on a cool autumn evening. This bottle from Osuzuyama has everything found on the nose and on the rocks, just a bit more intense and for Yamazaru this is a winning combination. Additionally, I really enjoyed the finish, which carries a perfect balance between deep earthy notes and subtly sweet chocolate that really extends the drinkability of this bottle.
Paired with Chocolate: Single origin dark chocolate from Malaysia. This is beyond a match made in heaven. With this pairing, the shōchū and the chocolate blend together perfectly, with the cacao expanding in depth and the shōchū adding a bit of a liqueur vibe that is very dessert-focused. Simply delicious.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I had been looking at this bottle for a little while and considering that I have tried almost everything from Osuzuyama, I finally decided to pick this up and give it a go. Was it worth it, yeah, for me at least, Yamazaru is one of the best bottles I have every had for Barley shochu, no further comment needed.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: 山猫原酒 Yama Neko Genshu
Type: 芋焼酎原酒 Sweet Potato Shōchū Genshu
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)
Ingredients:
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甘藷 (宮崎産) Sweet Potato (Organic)
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米麹（山田錦）Rice Koji
Alcohol: 40%
In the bottle: Incredibly floral, literally like walking in a field of lavender and wildflowers; a bit of a warning though, if you nose this a bit too much it does come across a little like bath soap, at least at the start. Once this opens up a little, the fragrant side does pull back somewhat to give you a hint of fresh sweet potato, lychee and a bit of syrupy fruits, all of which do feel a bit heavy at least on the nose. Interestingly, if you give Yama Neko Genshu enough time to fully open, it does start to feel a lot like a freshly roasted sweet potato, overall, this is really quite nice and I really look forward to getting this in the glass.
On the rocks: Literally an explosion on the first sip, the floral side here comes through with a spicy intensity that almost blinds everything at the start. Fortunately, once you adjust and the ice melts, what Yama Neko has to offer comes front and center. The first thing you notice as this opens up is the sweetness, the floral wildflower and lavender are still dominate but woven nicely behind is a subtle sweet note that starts a bit nondescript before taking on roasted sweet potato vibe along with those and syrupy dried fruits that popped up neat in the glass and on the nose. If you are a fan of Yama Neko and are looking to a glass of Shōchū turned up to 11, this this is worth spending a little extra for.
Straight: Intensely floral, warm, with a really interesting dried fruit sweetness that is full of dates, cherries, apricots and bit of raison, really quite magical, even if that first sip it does finish slightly on the bitter side. The positive is that once you adjust to the sheer intensity that Yama Neko Genshu brings, that second sip is even more magical, as that bitter finish start to transform into a range of warming sweetness full of lychee and syrupy fruits. The finish here is certainly a standout as this ebbs and flows between floral and sweet to give you an absoltuley standout drinking experience.
Paired with Chocolate: Tonny's Chocolonely 70% Dark Chocolate. The floral notes are just a bit too intense when matched with genshu version of Yama Neko, while it does mellow out a bit on the finish, this is just a little too much to make a good pairing.
Enjoy on the rocks
Reflections on this shōchū
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Interesting I found this at a small bottle shop in Kochi while out hunting for Shikoku shochu, and while not on my shopping list, how can you pass up a genshu version of one of my favorite sweet potato shochu, while it was a bit on the expensive side this was absolutley worth it.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
