Distillery: 高田酒造場 Takata Shuzōjyo
Address: 28-2 Tamachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Website: https://www.takata-shuzohjyo.co.jp/recommended/asagiri/
Additional Content: There is a short introduction from JETRO Global Channel on Takata Shuzojyo distillery that gives a nice behind the scenes view of the process of making rice shōchū,it is in Japanese with English subtitles.
Name: あさぎりの花 Asagiri no Hana
Type: 米焼酎 Rice shōchū
Ingredients:
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米ヒノヒカリの新米100％ Hinohikari new rice
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米麹(熊本産) Rice, Rice Koji (Kumamoto)
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Special Ingredient:ナデシコの花酵母 Dianthus Flower Yeast
Alcohol: 25%
In the bottle: The nose is floral without being overpowering, beautifully complemented by a smooth rice scent that ebbs and flows with gentle sweetness and warmth. The overall fragrance is exceptionally inviting—refined and polished, conveying a clear sense of careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in production.
On the rocks: This is where Asagi no Hana truly opens up and shines. The initial sip evokes rum raisin, followed by a very subtle chocolate-licorice note that quickly gives way to prominent floral and toasted rice elements. As the ice melts, the bolder upfront flavors integrate seamlessly into a perfectly balanced profile, allowing a wide range of nuanced tastes to unfold gradually over the course of the glass. A gentle warning: it drinks so smoothly and lightly that it’s easy to underestimate its strength—moderation is advisable to fully appreciate it.
Straight: Surprisingly smooth overall, though a slight sharpness at the edges keeps some of the more delicate notes slightly restrained. A pleasant, warming hint of alcohol appears on the finish, carrying softer floral and toasted rice elements through to a clean, lingering close. While on the rocks remains the preferred service for maximum expression, neat is still a very enjoyable and refined way to experience Asagi no Hana.
水割り Diluted with water
4:1 ratio, Holds up remarkably well with light dilution. While some intensity is lost, the signature combination of floral and toasted rice notes stays clearly upfront and harmonious, resulting in a very pleasant, easy-sipping drink. Ideal for longer sessions or when a lighter touch is desired.
Enjoy straight or on the rocks
Reflections on this shōchū
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Asagi no Hana is a refined and elegant rice shōchū that stands out for its floral-forward yet grounded profile. The name evokes the delicate pale blue of morning mist or the flower, and the spirit lives up to that with a graceful, inviting character—floral without excess, smooth rice/toasted notes, and a gentle sweetness that makes it feel polished and carefully crafted.
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This bottle truly excels on the rocks: light, balanced, and perfectly suited to sipping on a hot summer night. The way the rum-raisin, subtle chocolate-licorice, and floral-rice elements integrate as the ice melts creates a refreshing, layered experience that encourages slow enjoyment without ever feeling heavy.
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Priced in the mid-range at around 2,000 JPY (with a convenient 105 ml bottle available from Monogatari for sampling), it sits a step above everyday bottles but delivers excellent value for the refinement and drinkability it offers. Well worth the modest premium, especially for anyone exploring Kuma-region shōchū or seeking a versatile, high-quality pour.I’m looking forward to trying more from Takata Shuzo in the coming months—their attention to detail and consistent quality make the rest of the lineup intriguing. Asagi no Hana has set a strong benchmark for what to expect.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Back Label
Name: オークロード Oak Road
Type: 米焼酎 Rice shōchū
Aging: White oak, Limousin oak, Cognac, Sherry, and Scotch
Ingredients:
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米 Rice Domestic
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白麹(国産) White Koji (Domestic)
Alcohol: 37%
In the bottle: The nose immediately evokes whisky or cognac, with warm oak providing a rich, enveloping backdrop. Beyond the initial impact, subtle sweetness integrates smoothly with the oak—shifting between fresh and supple to rich and earthy tones, adding welcome complexity. As the name suggests, oak is the defining element, yet the blend of five different barrels (Sherry, Cognac, Scotch, White oak, and Limousin) prevents any sense of one-dimensionality. The result is layered and sophisticated, with clear effort evident in the maturation process.
On the rocks: Exceptionally smooth and beautiful—particularly appealing if you enjoy oak-aged rice shōchū. The interplay of all five barrels creates a harmonious blend that remains light on the palate despite the inherent sweetness of the rice base. This freshness and balance make Oak Road highly drinkable, whether for multiple glasses or slow, contemplative sipping as the ice melts and reveals evolving layers. Standout notes include identifiable contributions from the Sherry, Cognac, and Scotch barrels, with a persistent cherry accent on the finish likely tied to one of the oak types (though White oak and Limousin are harder to isolate without deeper familiarity).
Straight: Complex yet remarkably cohesive. The Cognac barrel influence stands out prominently—reminiscent of Ohishi’s exceptional Kuma rice shōchū—delivering warmth, sharpness, and refined depth. Overall, it drinks near-perfectly: oak-driven sharpness and warmth upfront, transitioning to a slightly sweet, lingering finish that hits every mark without excess heat or imbalance. A refined, rewarding neat pour that showcases the skill behind the multi-barrel aging.
Paired with chocolate: Tonny's chocolate 70% dark. Expectations were high for a strong pairing, and while it works reasonably well, it falls short of ideal. Oak Road expands the cacao depth and adds gentle warmth effectively, but the combination leans slightly too bitter overall. A sweeter dark chocolate (or even milk chocolate) would likely create better harmony. Still worth trying for the added richness it brings to the chocolate, particularly on the finish.
Enjoy straight or on the rocks
Reflections on this shōchū
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Oak Road is a standout blend of multi-barrel aged rice shōchū—elegant, layered, and distinctly oak-forward without sacrificing drinkability. The use of five different barrels brings genuine complexity and nuance, making it a compelling choice for anyone who appreciates matured spirits or wants to explore the upper end of Kuma-region rice shōchū. Highly recommended if you enjoy whisky-like profiles in shōchū form.