Kyushu Shochu Makers Pour Tasting in Manhattan

Nine Kyushu distillers presented their shochu spirits at a Manhattan restaurant as New York venues prepare to feature the drink during November.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Food and Drink

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a stoneware carafe and a glass of pale amber spirit on a dark wooden bar with a cucumber slice. — Nine Kyushu shochu distillers poured their spirits at a Manhattan restaurant Monday before New York venues feature the drink during November promotion month. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Nine shochu distillers from Japan's Kyushu region held a tasting event at a Manhattan restaurant on Monday, drawing about 100 attendees from the local dining industry. The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association hosted the event as November is designated shochu promotion month.

Why it matters

Shochu is not well known in the United States, so the tasting and the promotion month aim to introduce the spirit to New York diners and drinkers. Eating and drinking facilities across New York will offer special food items alongside shochu during the campaign.

Nine distillers and about 100 attendees took part in the Monday tasting at a Manhattan restaurant. The source does not specify the number of participating New York venues or the price of the featured shochu.

The players

Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association

The trade association hosted the Manhattan tasting and promotes Japanese sake and shochu production and sales.

Kirishima Shuzo Co.

A shochu distillery in Miyazaki Prefecture that produces the Kurokirishima brand and participated in the Manhattan tasting.

Akira Koga

A representative who said the association will propose new ways to drink shochu, such as with fruit or cucumber.

The details

The tasting was held at a restaurant in Manhattan and included Kirishima Shuzo Co. of Miyazaki Prefecture, known for its Kurokirishima brand, along with Nishiyoshida Shuzo of Fukuoka Prefecture and Takahashi Shuzo Co. of Kumamoto Prefecture. Akira Koga said the association will propose ways to drink shochu by adding fruits or cucumbers.

Monday, November 2, 2026: Tasting event held at a Manhattan restaurant.
November 2026: Shochu promotion month, with special food items offered at New York eating and drinking facilities.

Industry Dynamics

The Manhattan tasting extends Japan's designated November shochu promotion month into the United States, where the spirit remains little known. It positions Kyushu distillers to test demand among New York restaurants during the campaign.

New York diners can order shochu alongside special food items at participating eating and drinking facilities during November. The source does not name specific restaurants or prices.

The takeaway

Shochu is a Japanese spirit with a regional identity tied to Kyushu, and November's promotion month offers New York diners a structured chance to try it alongside food. Ordering it at a participating venue is the most direct way to sample it.