Distillery: 鹿児島酒造 Kagoshima Shuzō
Address: 130 Sakaemachi, Akune, Kagoshima 899-1616
Website: https://kagosyuzo.jp/
Additional Content: A nice introduction video that covers tastings on a range of shochu from this distillery
Name: やきいも黒瀬 Yaki Imo Kurose
Type: 焼き芋焼酎 Roasted Potato shōchū
Potato:甘藷 Sweet Potato
Ingredients:
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甘藷 Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
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白米麹 White Rice Koji (Thailand)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: A touch of initial sharpness on the nose, but it quickly gives way to a beautifully restrained roasted sweet potato aroma—subtler than many in this style. Once it settles, the fragrance expands with an intense freshness supported by gentle sweet and earthy undertones. This is noticeably less overtly sweet than most roasted sweet potato shochu I’ve encountered in the past, which makes me especially curious to see how it develops in the glass.
On the rocks: The opening sip carries forward that fresh sharpness, presenting more as a lively, crisp mouthfeel than anything harsh. It soon softens into lovely mature vanilla, classic sweet potato, and soft earthy notes. As the ice melts, the sweetness blooms naturally and layers of cereal grain and toasted rice emerge, adding welcome depth and character. Nothing dominates; instead, everything integrates harmoniously. The result is an exceptionally drinkable roasted sweet potato shochu—right now, on a hot Japanese summer evening, it feels just about perfect.
Straight: Very smooth with a well-judged fresh bite. The sharpness reads as invigorating rather than aggressive, while mature vanilla and a faint grain note provide gentle depth underneath. Pleasant and composed, though for me it didn’t quite match the extra dimension and balance it showed on the rocks—possibly influenced by the warm June night in Hiroshima.
Paired with Chocolate: Paired with Tony’s Chocolonely 70% dark, this combination clicks immediately. There’s no need to wait for the cocoa to unfold; the chocolate shines brightly from the first sip and stays prominent throughout. The mature vanilla and sweet potato notes meld seamlessly with the dark chocolate without veering into cherry-liqueur territory—and that restraint works beautifully here. One of the most successful pairings I’ve tried with this style. Highly recommended.
Reflections on this shōchū
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It had been a while since my last roasted sweet potato shochu, and this one proved to be a very enjoyable return to the style. What stands out is the restraint: it avoids being overly sweet, instead delivering a clean, fresh undertone that keeps the profile lively and balanced. The roasted sweet potato character is present and true to form, yet it feels refined rather than heavy or cloying.
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I had originally purchased the Shinshu (newly distilled) version of Yaki Imo Kurose and had not yet opened it when I came across this bottle—which, in the end, I opened first.
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One of the highlights remains its excellent affinity for chocolate. The pairing is seamless and rewarding. If I had access to an oven right now, I would definitely experiment with incorporating this shochu into a chocolate-based dessert—it feels like a natural fit and a missed opportunity not to try.
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A solid, approachable roasted imo shochu that drinks with elegance and invites easy sipping.
Bottle label and Information
Front Label
Top Label
Back Label
Name: 新酒やきいも黒瀬 Yaki Imo Kurose
Type: 焼き芋焼酎 Roasted Potato shōchū
Potato:甘藷 Sweet Potato
Ingredients:
-
甘藷 Sweet Potato (Kagoshima)
-
白米麹 White Rice Koji (Thailand)
Alcohol: 25%
Enjoy on the rocks
In the bottle: From the very first moment, there is a beautiful roasted sweet potato aroma takes complete command making this an exceptionally inviting shochu. As the Shinshu (newly distilled) bottle of Yaki Imo Kurose opens, a subtle sharpness begins to emerge—noticeably softer and more restrained than in the standard bottling—yet it remains well-integrated and never detracts from the overall harmony. The finish brings a clean, refreshing woody accent, reminiscent of a freshly snapped maple branch, which beautifully complements and rounds out the shochu’s distinctive character.
On the rocks: This is where the roasted sweet potato character truly comes alive. The sweetness that rises from the glass stays beautifully balanced—never tipping into anything overly sugary or cloying. As the ice slowly melts, softer supporting notes gently emerge: warm vanilla, a touch of cereal grain, and a subtle, refreshing sharpness that keeps everything nicely grounded and lively. Much like the other bottle of Kurose, no single element dominates the profile. Instead, the flavors integrate seamlessly, delivering a clean, harmonious, and very enjoyable expression of roasted sweet potato shochu—one that feels refined, approachable, and true to the style.
Straight: Beyond the prominent fresh roasted sweet potato that leads the way, this Shinshu Yaki Imo Kurose reveals a beautifully layered profile: a subtle floral whisper lingers in the background, accompanied by soft vanilla and a gentle touch of cereal grain. The finish carries a light, crisp sharpness—never intrusive—perfectly counterbalanced by a comforting warmth from the alcohol and a delicate, lingering sweetness that carries through to a clean, satisfying close.
Paired with Chocolate: Much like the earlier bottle of Kurose, this pairing with dark chocolate is genuinely special.From the first sip, the cacao opens up beautifully, deepening the chocolate notes while bringing in a subtle touch of cherry-brandy character. The finish holds strong and satisfying, as the shochu and chocolate come together in a way that recalls a dark chocolate cherry tart—rich, harmonious, and really impressive. A standout combination that elevates both the shochu and the chocolate. Well worth trying.
Reflections on this shōchū
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Unfortunatley, it was
Bottle label and Information
Bottle Bag
