Satsuma Shochu Liquor

The Satsuma Shochu liquor（薩摩焼酎）, with its main ingredient being the locally grown Satsuma-imo sweet potatoes (usually harvested in late autumn and early winter), is being produced with great care by skilled and experienced brewers. Under the official recognition of the World Trade Organisation, the name “Satsuma Shochu” may only be used for Shochu liquor made under a specific set of strict production regulation, just like the Bordeaux Wine of France and Scotch Whisky of Scotland. The local way of enjoying Satsuma Shochu is to dilute it with water in an earthen pot called the “Kurojoka”（黒ぢょか）and served warm.