Importer Honkaku Spirits—which is devoted exclusively to koji-fermented spirits from Japan including Honkaku (authentic) Shochu, Ryukyu Awamori from Okinawa, and koji whiskey, only from family-run distilleries—announced the expansion of its shochu portfolio.
Christopher Pellegrini, founder of Honkaku Spirits, says: “In our first year we expected our koji-fermented whiskey to be the easier sell; we were pleasantly surprised that the shochu actually won the race! From fine bars such as Bar Kumiko in Chicago, to Michelin starred restaurants such as River Café in Brooklyn, to discerning retailers such as Umami Mart in Oakland. The support has been amazing.”