iichiko Shochu Silhouette
iichiko Shochu Silhouette is a 25% ABV (50 proof) honkaku (authentic single-distilled) barley shochu in a 720mL bottle — Japan's leading barley-shochu brand, made from 100% two-row barley and barley koji, distilled once via proprietary low-pressure distillation for an exceptionally light, delicate character, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 25% (50 proof)
- Size: 720mL (standard Japanese bottle)
- Style: honkaku mugi (barley) shochu — single-distilled, unaged
- Process: 100% two-row barley + barley koji (white/shiro koji), natural spring water; low-pressure (gen-atsu) distillation
- Origin: Sanwa Shurui, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan — founded 1958
- Brand: iichiko debuted 1979; now Japan's leading barley-shochu brand
Japan's National Spirit, at Its Lightest
Shochu is Japan's national spirit — single-distilled, usually around 25% ABV, and distinct from both brewed sake and Korean soju. Silhouette is iichiko's flagship expression and its most accessible: the low-pressure (gen-atsu) distillation runs cooler, suppressing heavy congeners and yielding the light, clean, near-neutral profile the brand is known for. "Honkaku" means authentic single-distilled shochu that retains the grain's flavor, versus korui (multiple-distilled neutral). It's an award-winning bottle (LA International Spirits Competition and San Francisco World Spirits Competition medals — specific medal levels vary by source). Explore the iichiko range, or browse our Japanese spirits shelf.
Tasting Notes
Delicate floral and berry on the nose with a citrus touch, light barley character, violet flowers, and a whisper of cotton candy. The palate is smooth and near-neutral — soft and silky, with sweet confectionary and malt tones, a nutty note, and mellow pear and green-apple hints. The finish is faintly floral and clean, with lingering elegance and mild warmth.
How to Enjoy
The classics: mizuwari (cut with cold water) or oyuwari (with hot water, which opens the barley aroma). Also excellent on the rocks or as a chu-hi — a shochu highball with soda and citrus. Traditionally enjoyed with food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shochu?
Japan's national spirit — usually single-distilled, typically ~25% ABV, made from barley, sweet potato, rice, or buckwheat. Lighter than vodka, distinct from sake (brewed) and soju.
What does "mugi" mean?
Barley — the base grain of this shochu.
What is honkaku shochu?
"Authentic" single-distilled shochu that keeps the grain's flavor, versus korui (multiple-distilled neutral spirit).
What does low-pressure distillation do?
It runs cooler, suppressing heavy congeners — the source of Silhouette's light, clean, floral profile.
Discover Japan's leading barley shochu — order iichiko Silhouette online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.