58 and Co debuts British shōchū
London-based distillery 58 and Co has created two limited edition shōchūs, which are made using repurposed byproducts from sake production.
The brand previously partnered with boxed-wine brand Laylo to make vermouth and Citizens of Soil to release a vodka infused with olive oil. To create the shōchū, 58 and Co has partnered with British sake brand Kanpai. The first expression, Shōchū Kasu 2021, is traditionally made using a blend of sake kasu – fermented rice solids that are pressed out to leave clear sake – repurposed from various productions of Kanpai’s sake brewing across the 2020/21 brewing season. The kasu was delivered to 58 and Co in 2021 and was matured before distilling to create depth of flavour. It was then distilled at high pressure and high heat, producing a low-yield and highly concentrated shōchū. Afterwards, it was matured in a neutral vessel for three years, before being diluted to 25% ABV and bottled. The brand suggests drinking Shōchū Kasu 2021 neat at room temperature, diluted with warm water or in a cocktail. It retails for £39 (US$49) for a 700ml bottle. The second expression, Shōchū Tori 2023, is specifically made using sake kasu from Kanpai’s ultra-premium Tori 'Bird' Junmai Daiginjo Sake. Kanpai produces this sake once a year using highly polished Yamada Nishiki, known as the ‘king’ of sake rice. This was also distilled by 58 and Co at high pressure and high heat, followed by a six-month maturation in a neutral vessel. The brand suggests drinking it at room temperature, diluted with chilled water or in a cocktail. Shōchū Tori 2023 is also bottled at 25% ABV and retails for £69 (US$86) for a 700ml bottle.
