Izumi Shuzo (出水酒造株式会社)
Izumi Shuzo is a distillery, founded in 1950. A distillery in Izumi, Kagoshima, making honkaku shochu from sweet potato. It uses a wooden-barrel still and Shigaraki-ware pots, and welcomes visitors.
- Makes
- Shochu
Where to buy
What kind of distillery is it?
The company began in 1950 as Chosa Jozo in Aira, then was renamed Kirishima Yokogawa Shuzo in 2006. It became Izumi Shuzo in 2011, and in 2013 moved its plant from Yokogawa in Kirishima to Izumi. Branches opened in Kagoshima, Fukuoka and the Kanto area in 2018, and Osaka in 2021.
What makes it distinct
- Ingredients
- Uses Kogane Sengan sweet potatoes from Kagoshima, including the company's own farm
- Water
- Uses natural water drawn from 250 m underground
- Style
- Fermentation is in Shigaraki-ware pots buried in sand to keep temperature steady. Distills with a handmade wooden-barrel still
Visiting
- Tours
Factory tours are free, accepted 10:00 to 16:00, open every day. Book at least 3 days ahead by phone (9:00 to 17:00). Tasting is free, but not for drivers, under-20s and others.
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: izumi-syuzou.co.jp