Volume：500ml
ABV：25%

At first glance, this clear spirit looks like an ordinary shochu—colourless, almost plain. Without the familiar dark coffee colour, how much aroma could there possibly be? Just as that thought appeared in my mind, a deep and intense coffee fragrance suddenly unfolded, instantly captivating me. A closer look at the producer reveals the famous SAWAI Coffee, known across Japan for freshly roasted beans and crowned Rakuten’s “Shop of the Year” for eleven consecutive years. With such exceptional beans behind it, this coffee shochu is certainly worth trying.

During the production of the rice shochu, Indonesian Mandheling G1 beans are added directly into the fermentation, followed by distillation—creating a clear coffee shochu. Fermenting rice and coffee beans together and then distilling them makes the final flavour extremely difficult to control, making this method rarely seen. SAWAI believes that rice shochu’s clean profile brings out the richness of coffee, and combined with a clear appearance, the result is playful and unexpected. In both respects, SAWAI has succeeded beautifully.

On the nose, the aroma of dark-roast coffee lingers in the air. Take a sip—the mouthfeel of the rice shochu is smooth, with subtle coffee notes appearing gradually. Mid-palate, a nutty coffee character emerges and intensifies, finishing with a rich roasted impression that firmly settles in the mouth. There is no sweetness, yet no bitterness or acidity either. The 25% ABV provides gentle warmth without overpowering. Smooth, aromatic, and truly well-crafted.

Another key point—its carbohydrate content, meaning sugars and total carbs, is close to zero. Ideal for those who want coffee spirits without compromising their physique—perfect for women and fitness-conscious drinkers alike.

We’ve tasted many coffee liqueurs before, but a coffee spirit that remains crystal clear while delivering such depth—this is definitely a first.