Introducing our new release: Sweet Potatao Shochu - Tsunezo Symphony, Music Vibration Matured 30% 700ml (May 16, 2024)
Sweet Potato Shochu - Shochu serenaded by Mozart using the Music Vibration Maturation Technology.
Made using 100% Kanta-Kun, a type of Beniharuka sweet potato with a high sugar content, cultivated in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture. The sweetness is fully extracted through atmospheric distillation to create a rich sweet potato shochu.
Developed through joint research by Onkyo and Tokyo University of Agriculture, the "Music Vibration Maturation Technology" allows music to influence the final product.
This musical sweet potato shochu has won awards at the Kumamoto National Tax Agency Alcohol Appraisal Contest for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. Enjoy it on the rocks, straight, with water, or hot water.
Product Name: Sweet Potato Shochu - Tsunezo Symphony, Music Vibration Matured 30% 700ml
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes (Beniharuka from Usuki City, Oita Prefecture), rice malt (domestic rice) Rice Koji (Malted Rice) cultivated in Japan
Distillation Method: Atmospheric Distillation
Yeast: Association Shochu Yeast No. 2
* Usuki Brand Certified Product
【Matured by Matured by the ONKYO Corporation】
Since its founding in 1946, our company has specialized in audio equipment, focusing not just on technical measurements but also on translating sensory experiences into technology. By enhancing playback purity through physical accuracy and drawing out musical expressiveness, we have applied audio design principles to food. Our theme is to "maximize the potential of ingredients by utilizing the natural power of music." In collaboration with Tokyo University of Agriculture, we are advancing research to understand the impact of musical vibrations on yeast. By quantitatively analyzing the effects of vibrations on yeast, we aim to further pursue flavour enhancement and improve efficiency.
"Vibration Sake" - Shaking up the taste of sake with a new challenge.
Through ONKYO Corporation's vibration device technology, music is played during the brewing and fermentation process to infuse the sake with melodies directly. This has resulted not only in a change in taste but also the creation of a special, original product.
Cheers to a harmonious blend of music and spirits !
Our Sweet Potato Shochu, Tsunezo has Received an Award (April 23, 2024)
The 2024 Kumamoto National Tax Agency Liquor Appraisal Competition honoured our sweet potato shochu, Tsunezo (entries 88 and 89) with an outstanding accolade.
Crafted with Beniharuka (Kanta-kun) sweet potatoes from Usuki City, Oita, and Oita yeast, this product holds a special place in Oita's community.
An Unconventional Way of Serving (August 5, 2023)
The Shinjuku based Genkai restaurant, established in 1928 and known for its dedication to Mizutaki, a traditional Japanese dish resembling a chicken hot pot, has been proudly serving our barley shochu and sweet potato shochu to its esteemed clientele for several years. This privilege has been made possible through our longstanding association with President Yano.
During the viewing of a YouTube video featuring Mr. Sujitaro Tamabukuro, a renowned comedian, he was observed relishing the delectable combination of our barley shochu expertly blended with the traditional milky white soup that has been a signature dish at Genkai since its inception. The sight of his enjoyment truly emphasised the irresistible allure of this culinary fusion.
“I must say, I was genuinely impressed to learn about this unique drinking technique. Rest assured, I will certainly give this "unconventional serving method" a try at the next possible occasion !” (Comment from the President)
Bakushu (May 10, 2023)
Bakushu (麦秋) denotes the early summer season when wheat ears reach maturity, signalling the arrival of the harvest period. In the fields of Ieno and Mochizuki, located in Usuki City, the original barley variety known as Toyono Hoshi, specifically cultivated for shochu production in Oita Prefecture, has now acquired a resplendent golden hue, marking a successful harvest following its initial planting last autumn. The diligent farmers responsible for this endeavour are Mr. Minato, an esteemed old classmate of the president, and Mr. Mouri, a former employee of Usuki City Hall. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable transformation of this harvest into our exquisite barley shochu, Tsunezo in the coming months.
Our Sweet Potato Shochu, Tsunezo Wins Honour Award (April 25, 2023)
At the 2023 Kumamoto Regional Taxation Bureau - Liquor Appraisal, our sweet potato shochu, Tsunezo, was bestowed with the prestigious Honour Award. Two types of Tsunezo were entered, exhibition numbers 100 and 101, each winning the award. This esteemed recognition was granted to our submission.
Tsunezo is meticulously crafted using locally grown sweet potatoes from Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, specifically the renowned Beniharuka variety, affectionately known as "kanta-kun." Additionally, the fermentation process incorporates yeast sourced exclusively from Oita. As such, Tsunezo proudly embodies the rich heritage and deep connection to the esteemed Oita region.
Toyono Hoshi Flourishes (March 20, 2023)
We had the opportunity to visit the fields where the original barley variety for shochu production in Oita Prefecture, known as Toyono Hoshi, is cultivated. Located in Mochizuki and Arata, Usuki City, this endeavour is overseen by Mr. Minato, the former classmate of Kuge Honten’s president.
Just three months ago, the Toyono Hoshi barley appeared as mere weeds, but it has now flourished into a splendid sight indeed. We eagerly anticipate the day when it will be transformed into our exquisite barley shochu, Tsunezo.
TikTok’s @chikara.awesome - Mr. “Chanponchikara” (January 23, 2023)
@chikara.awesome 最近ハマってる焼酎!#常蔵 #バリうま ? オリジナル楽曲 - ちゃんぽんちから
TikTok’s Mr. “Chanponchikara” (@chikara.awesome), A friend of Mr. Yutaro Hayashi, who is a member of the Usuki City Community Revitalisation Organisation and chairman of the theatre company Musica, posted a TikTok video with the caption - "Tsunezo tastes amazing !" We are very grateful !
The shochu that appears in the video is our barley shochu - Tsunezo.
Barley shochu - Tsunezo is brewed using a vacuum distillation method, reducing the amount of filtering required.
Oita Prefecture’s Original Home-grown Barley used for Shochu, Toyonohoshi (December 29, 2022)
The barley variety Toyonohoshi was planted for the first time this autumn in Mochizuki, Ieno, Usuki City. The producers are our president’s old friend Mr. Minato, and Mr. Mori (previously of Usuki City Hall).
It is exciting to imagine that this time next year we will be transforming it into our own barley shochu - Tsunezo.
Coincidentally, as I was taking some photos of the field Mr. Minato happened to pass by ! He told me, “The black dori pole pennant flags are highly effective in deterring ducks from eating and damaging the crop.” He also mentioned, “at this time of year we carry out mugifumi, the act of treading the barley, although I use a mechanical roller.”
Pei Dan(皮蛋)and our Barley Shochu - Tsunezo Breeze(October 10, 2022)
Charles, one of our clients based in Hongkong, sent us a picture of his dog Pei Dan, posing with our barley shochu - Tsunezo Breeze. In the background, you can see the Hong Kong cityscape.
Production of Barley Shochu is in Full Swing ! (July 31, 2022)
The production of our Barley Shochu is now in full swing.
The sound of Mozart can be heard around the shochu brewery.
We are eagerly anticipating the final product.