Name: 野うさぎの走り Nousagi no Hashiri
 

Type: 米焼酎 Rice shōchū
常圧蒸留: 常圧蒸留 (Atmospheric)

Ingredients:

• 米 Rice,

• 米麹（国産）Rice Koji (Domestic)

Alcohol: 37%

In the bottle: Soft and light at first, but with oxygen exposure Nousagi no Hashiri opens into a nutty aroma alongside sharp rice notes reminiscent of fresh-cut Granny Smith apples. A deeper nosing reveals the 37% ABV—present but restrained, never overpowering or detracting from the experience. While not overly complex, the nose remains incredibly inviting: clean, fresh, and subtly layered, building gentle anticipation for the palate. 

On the rocks: The first impression is subtle smokiness—likely the first time encountered in a shōchū. It’s very gentle, not peated-whisky aggressive, just enough to register as a distinct character. The smoke integrates quietly with the rice foundation, adding intrigue without dominating. Overall, a smooth, balanced pour where dilution from melting ice softens edges and lets the rice freshness shine through. An interesting, unique twist that makes this expression stand apart.

Straight: SSmooth and rich, instantly evoking an after-dinner drink. Warm, welcoming sweetness arrives without ever feeling excessive. After the first sip, mature vanilla and subtle chocolate emerge alongside clearer rice notes. Interestingly, no smokiness appears here (unlike on the rocks), suggesting light dilution unlocks that layer. The finish stands out: fresh rice shōchū character balances the initial sweetness beautifully, delivering a clean, lingering close. Neat service highlights the shōchū’s elegance and warmth—great for contemplative sipping.

Paired with Chocolate: After the initial intensity of the shōchū subsides, a beautifully rich dark chocolate pours through—reminiscent of chocolate ganache with dark cherry compote. The finish lingers impressively, building on the chocolate with vanilla and a subtle return of smokiness. Overall, a nice, cohesive pairing—the shōchū’s rice freshness and faint smoke complement the cocoa’s bitterness, adding depth without clashing. The result is indulgent and harmonious—well worth exploring for those who enjoy shōchū with darker chocolate.

Reflections on this shōchū

• I really like the shape of the bottle—it has a subtle off-center asymmetry that feels deliberate and artistic, pairing perfectly with the simple stripe label on the front and the clean, clear sticker on the back. The design is minimalist yet distinctive, giving the bottle a quiet confidence that matches the refined, understated character inside.

• Coming across this bottle through a recommendation from a small shop owner in a remote town almost in the middle of nowhere made the discovery feel even more special. Those unexpected finds in out-of-the-way places often turn out to be the most memorable, and Nousagi no Hashiri lived up to that serendipity—clean, fresh, and quietly compelling.

• This is a great way to enjoy sake-like flavors at a slower, more controlled pace. The nutty rice character, fresh Granny Smith apple sharpness, subtle smokiness (especially on the rocks), and warm vanilla-chocolate maturity deliver the elegance of premium sake in a distilled format that encourages thoughtful sipping rather than quick drinking. It’s an ideal bridge for sake lovers exploring shōchū, or anyone seeking a refined rice shochu that’s light yet layered.

• I have two more bottles from this distillery waiting in line, and I keep spotting their genshu version and another interesting-looking bottle online. I’ll consider picking them up once the current backlog on the shelf clears a bit—curious to see how higher ABV or different expressions build on the base profile of freshness, subtle smoke, and rice-driven depth.

• Nousagi no Hashiri is a thoughtful, characterful rice shōchū—clean and inviting on the nose, subtly smoky on the rocks, and warmly elegant neat. It rewards slow enjoyment and pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate, adding complexity without overpowering. A solid, memorable bottle that makes a strong case for exploring smaller or regional producers. Definitely worth revisiting or expanding into more from the same lineup when the time is right.

Bottle label and Information

Front Label

Back Label