Distillery: 明石酒造 Akashi Shuzō
Address: 461-1 Kurishita, Ebino City, Miyazaki 889-4221
Website: https://www.meigetsu.co.jp/naina/
Additional Content: The Akashi distillery has a nice youtube video talking about their 130 year history and how they produce their shōchū, unfortunately it is only in Japanese but still interesting to watch.
Enjoy on the rocks
Name: ? ないな紫 ?Naina Murasaki
Type: 芋・米ブレンド焼酎 Potato/Rice shōchū blend
Potato: ムラサキマサリ Purple Sweet Potato
Ingredients:
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ムラサキマサリ Purple Sweet Potato
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米 Rice
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Rice Koji 米麹 (国産米)
Alcohol: 25%
In the bottle: A brilliant, bright sweet potato nose greets you immediately, layered with subtle rice fragrance and beautiful floral notes emerging toward the end. This is one of those bottles that invites you to simply open it and inhale deeply before even pouring—the aroma is fresh, clean, and unclouded, with nothing overpowering or distracting from its pure, inviting character.
On the rocks: From the first sip, an amazing medley of sweet potato and rice spreads across the palate in pure harmony. As the ice melts slightly, vanilla, caramel, and faint cocoa notes integrate smoothly, creating a mellow, lingering sweetness that compels another sip. The floral character persists pleasantly on the tongue, adding elegance and lift. Naina is dangerously drinkable—the combination of freshness, richness, and perfect balance makes every bottle disappear far too quickly (none of mine have lasted more than a week). It truly hits on all levels: approachable yet refined, sessionable yet rewarding.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: The magic ratios. All the core flavors—sweet potato, rice, vanilla, caramel, subtle cocoa, and floral lift—remain fully present and well-defined without becoming overly mellow or diluted. This range strikes an ideal balance for enjoying multiple glasses while preserving the shōchū’s vibrancy and character.
2:3 Ratio: Holds up surprisingly well even at higher dilution. The profile softens noticeably but stays cohesive and pleasant, making it a solid choice for stretching the bottle on a budget or when lighter drinking is preferred. While it loses some of the upfront intensity, the foundational sweetness and floral notes persist enough to remain enjoyable.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Naina stands out as a particularly fresh, clean, and harmonious sweet potato shōchū—bright fruit-floral aromatics, seamless rice integration, and layered sweetness that evolve gracefully across serving styles. Its exceptional drinkability and consistent quality make it one of the more addictive and rewarding everyday premium imo expressions. If you’re looking for something that’s both easy to love and capable of deeper appreciation, Naina is hard to beat.
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Naina stands out as a truly unique shōchū, skillfully blending sweet potato and rice to create a harmonious, thoroughly enjoyable drinking experience. The interplay between the fresh, bright potato character and the smooth, toasted rice foundation results in a layered profile—floral, subtly sweet, and clean—that feels both innovative and perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of bottle that surprises with its elegance while remaining approachable and highly drinkable.
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At a mid-range price point (typically in line with Akashi Shuzo's lineup around 1,800–2,200 JPY), Naina offers excellent value: high-quality craftsmanship, distinctive character, and broad appeal without entering premium territory. It punches well above its weight for everyday enjoyment or special occasions.
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The packaging follows a “less is more” philosophy—clean, stylish, and understated, with a design that quietly conveys the passion and care invested in production. It feels premium without ostentation, making it particularly well-suited as a thoughtful gift or souvenir. Whether for a fellow shōchū enthusiast, a host in Japan, or someone new to the category, Naina arrives looking refined and special.
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This blend is a perfect introduction to Akashi Shuzo's thoughtful approach—fresh, versatile, and consistently rewarding across neat, on-the-rocks, and light dilution. If you’re looking for a standout, giftable bottle that bridges classic imo and kome styles with genuine finesse, Naina is an easy and confident recommendation.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Name: ? ないな ?Naina (White)
Type: 芋・米ブレンド焼酎 Potato/Rice shōchū blend
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留（単式蒸留）
Ingredients:
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黄金千貫 Golden Sengen
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米 Rice
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Rice Koji 米麹 (国産米)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose is surprisingly soft and neutral at first, with a faint sweetness and sharpness that prove incredibly enticing. Dried fruits—particularly dried apricots—lead, accompanied by a gentle hint of vanilla. Beyond these, the profile remains quite restrained, with alcohol presence almost nonexistent. This allows the subtle notes to shine clearly, creating a clean and anticipatory aroma that draws you in without overwhelming.
On the rocks: ?Naina strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sharp, never feeling heavy or cloying on the palate. The enticing dried apricot and vanilla from the nose translate smoothly, with sweet potato notes emerging prominently on the finish to elevate the overall experience. The interplay is seamless and refined—fresh yet rich, light yet flavorful—making this an exceptionally enjoyable pour over ice.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: Everything that makes Naina special remains present, though somewhat subdued. Sweetness comes through more noticeably with the addition of water, adding a gentle roundness while preserving the core dried fruit, vanilla, and sweet potato elements.
2:3 Ratio: At this higher dilution, most of the impactful notes fade significantly. Subtle sweetness lingers faintly, but the vibrancy and complexity that define the shōchū are diminished. Not the ideal way to enjoy Naina—lighter ratios or on the rocks better showcase its elegance.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Naina is a truly unique shōchū, masterfully blending sweet potato and rice to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable, harmonious drinking experience. The combination creates a refined profile—bright and fresh from the potato, smooth and subtly grainy from the rice—that feels innovative yet perfectly balanced. Floral, fruity, and gently sweet notes weave together without any single element dominating, resulting in a clean, layered pour that’s both approachable and sophisticated.
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At a mid-range price point (typically aligning with Akashi Shuzo's lineup around 1,800–2,200 JPY), Naina represents excellent value. It offers high-quality production, distinctive character, and broad versatility across serving styles—making it a standout buy for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
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The packaging follows a “less is more” philosophy: clean, stylish, and understated. The design quietly communicates the passion and meticulous care invested in every step of production—from ingredient selection to blending—without unnecessary flash. It looks premium in a restrained, confident way.
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This makes Naina an ideal bottle to bring as a gift or souvenir. Its elegant presentation, thoughtful craftsmanship, and approachable yet memorable profile make it a thoughtful choice for hosts, fellow enthusiasts, or anyone you want to introduce to quality shōchū. Highly recommendable as a versatile, gift-worthy expression that bridges classic imo and kome styles with genuine finesse.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Name: ないな原酒2015 ?Naina Genshu 2015
Type: 芋・米ブレンド焼酎 Potato/Rice shōchū blend
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留/単式蒸留
Ingredients:
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黄金千貫 Golden Sengen
-
米 Rice
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Rice Koji 米麹 (国産米)
Alcohol: 38-39%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Right from the start, a beautifully rich sweet potato nose emerges, interwoven with intriguing woody notes that strongly evoke birch trees—reminiscent of birch beer (a classic Northeastern U.S. flavor). After a little swirling and oxygen exposure, earthy undertones rise alongside subtle dried fruit accents. Remarkably, the 38–39% ABV is almost undetectable, allowing the 2015 vintage (second bottle opened January 12, 2025) to feel exceptionally fresh, clean, and inviting—aged yet vibrant.
On the rocks: Thick, rich, and absolutely wonderful. The initial sip delivers a big, roasted sweet potato character—evoking potatoes straight off hot coals—sweet in precisely the right measure. Vanilla and custard notes provide lush support, while the finish introduces beautiful floral layers: lavender, honeysuckle, and less-defined wildflowers. The higher alcohol strength carries these softer, more delicate elements gracefully to a long, exceptional close. Overall, delicious and deeply satisfying—genshu intensity balanced with elegance.
Straight: Similar to on-the-rocks but with even greater thickness and richness (though not as viscous as anticipated). Interestingly herby—reminiscent of German schnapps from years living in Germany—likely driven by the pronounced floral notes that bloom more fully when served straight. Lavender in particular opens vividly on the finish, carried beautifully by the elevated ABV without heat overpowering. Neat service highlights the shōchū’s complexity and refinement, and it has become a format I’ve been enjoying more frequently lately
Reflections on this shōchū
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Akashi Shuzo knocks it out of the park again with this 2015 genshu release—an amazing shōchū that stands at the top of their lineup in quality, refinement, and overall experience. The presentation and packaging are exceptional: clean, elegant, and premium without excess, making this the kind of bottle you can give as a confident gift or treat yourself to without hesitation.
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I’ve sampled more than a few special editions and premium selections across various distilleries, but honestly, none have matched the depth, balance, and sheer drinkability of this 2015 vintage. It was so impressive that I had no hesitation spending another 3,500 JPY to secure a second bottle for the shelf—well worth the investment for something this memorable and rare-feeling.
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At 38–39% ABV, caution is advised: it drinks so smoothly and effortlessly on the rocks that the higher alcohol strength can sneak up on you. The thickness, richness, and layered flavors (roasted sweet potato, vanilla-custard, floral lavender/honeysuckle, woody birch notes) mask the heat completely, making it dangerously easy to overpour.
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I’m now open to anything Akashi Shuzo releases—every bottle I’ve tried from them has been outstanding, from the standard lineup to these aged genshu expressions. The consistent quality, thoughtful production, and attention to detail make them a distillery I trust implicitly. I’m already planning to browse their online store soon to add a few more bottles to the collection. If you appreciate mature, high-ABV imo shōchū with genuine complexity and exceptional smoothness, this 2015 Naina genshu is a must-try—highly recommended and worth seeking out.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Bottle Tag
Name: 月一雫 Tsukihitoshizuku
Type: 芋焼酎 原酒 Potato shōchū Genshu
蒸留方法: 常圧蒸留（単式蒸留
Ingredients:
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黄金千貫 Golden Sengan
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Black Rice Koji 黒麹 (宮崎産)
Alcohol: 36%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: The nose opens with a beautifully rich sweet potato character, accented by dried fruits—particularly dried apricots—and a gentle hint of vanilla. A faint sweetness and subtle sharpness create an incredibly enticing impression. Beyond these, the profile remains quite neutral, with the 36% ABV almost imperceptible. This clean, low-heat presence allows the delicate notes to shine clearly even before the first sip, building strong anticipation.
On the rocks: Naina achieves a perfect balance between sweet and sharp, never feeling heavy despite the 36% ABV. The dried apricot and vanilla from the nose translate smoothly to the palate, joined by a generous wash of dried fruits, vanilla, cocoa, and emerging sweet potato notes that truly elevate the experience on the finish. As the ice melts, the sharper elements soften noticeably, giving the dried fruits more room to expand and adding roundness. The finish fades somewhat quickly with further dilution, but the overall pour remains highly enjoyable—fresh, layered, and refined.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio: All the defining elements remain present, though slightly subdued. Sweetness becomes noticeably more prominent with light dilution, rounding out the profile while preserving dried fruit, vanilla, cocoa, and sweet potato character. This range maintains excellent balance and drinkability—ideal for multiple glasses or a lighter session.
2:3 Ratio: At higher dilution, most of the impact notes recede significantly. Subtle sweetness lingers faintly, but the vibrancy, sharpness, and layered complexity that make Naina special are diminished. Not the ideal way to enjoy this shōchū—lighter dilutions or on the rocks better showcase its elegance.
Community Tasting Submission: I tried this on the rocks tonight. A little viscosity and few legs on the side of my glass after a swirl. As soon as the shochu hit the glass the crisp smell of the sweet potato bounced back at me. I found the nose much rounder and more complex than most sweet potato shochu you would meet. Hints of cream soda and toffee which mellowed and smoothed as the ice melted. Just as round as the full moon from its name, this shochu is full, smooth and deep. From the kogane masari sweet potatoes to the kurokoji distillation, this makes for a very velvetty drink. The sweet and complex aroma is really set off with a rich creamy mouthfeel and palette that likes to linger. I was really happy to try this one on the rocks this summer's night because as the ice melted, I feel like tsuki no hito shizuku really opened up and showcased the flavours of the potato. Overall one of my favorite shochu to date. I think this would appeal to those starting to drink sweet potato shochu and would be a great smooth mizuwari.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Another excellent bottle from Akashi Shuzo—both the presentation and what’s inside are truly impressive. The packaging is beautiful: elegant, thoughtful design that reflects the care put into the production, making it feel premium from the moment you see it on the shelf.
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This is not a budget-friendly bottle—pricing sits firmly in the higher range for shōchū—but if you’re passionate about interesting, high-quality expressions and don’t mind the investment, Tsukihitoshizuku is well worth picking up. Akashi Shuzo continues to deliver refined, character-driven imo shōchū that stand out for their balance, depth, and drinkability, and this one lives up to that reputation.
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The combination of striking aesthetics and exceptional liquid inside makes it a standout choice for collectors, special occasions, or anyone looking to treat themselves to something memorable. It fits perfectly alongside their other top-tier releases (like the aged Naina genshu) as evidence of the distillery’s consistent excellence. Highly recommended for enthusiasts willing to step up in price for something genuinely special.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Bottle Top
Name: ？ないな 光輝燦然 ?Naina Kōkisanzen 20th Aniversary
Type: 芋・米ブレンド焼酎 Potato/Rice shōchū blend
Potato: さつま芋 Satsuma Sweet Potato
Ingredients:
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甘藷 さつま芋 Satsuma Sweet Potato
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米 Rice
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Rice Koji 米麹 (国産米)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: Fresh and relatively neutral at first, but deeper nosing reveals faint sweet potato flavors that develop nicely with oxygen exposure. Dried fruit notes—primarily apricots and figs—appear on the back end, adding subtle complexity. The overall aroma remains clean and understated, with no dominant elements clouding the profile, making it hard to predict exactly how it will translate to the palate. The restraint builds anticipation effectively.
On the rocks: Another standout from Akashi Shuzo. The first sip is smooth and bursting with an intriguing range of flavors: initially reminiscent of sweet potato pie paired with caramelized pecans (a nostalgic household serving style), then shifting to light, airy custard. The finish brings back the dried fruits from the nose, creating excellent cohesion. Overall, this anniversary edition is exceptionally drinkable—balanced, layered, and so enjoyable that limiting yourself to one glass becomes a genuine challenge.
Straight: Strangely evocative of root beer, cherry cola, or a similar soda-like profile on the first sip—complex and hard to pin down precisely. In many ways, it recalls herbal schnapps from time spent in Germany: strong herbal notes blend with sharper floral elements that emerge more prominently when served straight. These bolder flavors contrast noticeably with the smoother, sweeter on-the-rocks experience, adding an interesting dimension. The higher ABV (likely around 36–38% based on similar Akashi releases) carries everything through cleanly without heat interference.
Reflections on this shōchū
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I first spotted this bottle during a business trip to Kagoshima. At the time, only the large-format bottle was available, and I passed on it due to luggage constraints. A year later, I was thrilled to finally find it at my local shop—still in the large size, but well worth the wait.
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Another great release from Akashi Shuzo—they never disappoint. The quality, refinement, and thoughtful production shine through consistently, whether in standard pours or these more premium/limited expressions. The large bottle proved perfect for sharing with friends: generous enough for multiple tastings, group pours, or casual gatherings, and it made for an enjoyable, social experience that highlighted the shōchū’s balance and drinkability.
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Akashi continues to impress with their attention to detail—from elegant packaging to layered, expressive profiles that reward both solo sipping and shared moments. Finding this one after the long wait felt like a small victory, and it reinforced why their bottles are always on my radar. If you come across an Akashi large-format or special release, especially from Kagoshima sources, it’s a reliable pick—ideal for gifting, sharing, or savoring slowly. Looking forward to whatever they release next.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
