Shochu…Sake…What’s the difference?

In the land of the rising sun, the average bar patron can quickly recognize the differences between shochu and sake (otherwise known as Nihon-shu). Most Japanese bar patrons would be quick to point out that shochu usually bears a distinguishable aroma reminiscent of its base material, whereas sake usually has a soft, mild aroma. Some may also note that the two are produced in different ways. Aside from these differences, much remains unknown or overlooked as to how shochu differs from sake.

Outside of Japan, shochu had often been confused with Japanese sake, until its recent boost in popularity. Typically, when someone unknowingly orders shochu they are quite surprised by it. The consumer can immediately recognize that the shochu they are drinking is not the same old sake they have become accustomed to. There are many reasons that support this thought, which include the following:

However, in all actuality, shochu is sake. Sake (sa-kay), in Japanese, refers to the entire category of alcoholic beverages. As mentioned, the sake we all know and love is actually called Nihon-shu but whether you are in Japan (with the exception of Kyushu), US, or England, if you order “sake,” the bar or restaurant will more than likely offer you a glass of Nihon-shu. Nevertheless, despite the dissimilarities between shochu and sake, they are still related in many ways. The similarities include: