Welcome to Etsu Liverpool

Authentic Japanese Restaurant

Shochu is an alcoholic beverage of Japan, most commonly distilled from barley, sweet potato or rice. Typically it is 25% alcohol by volume, making it weaker than whisky, but stronger than wine and sake.
Shochu should not be confused with sake, a brewed rice wine. Its taste is usually far less fruity and depends strongly on the nature of the starch used in the distilling process. Its flavour is often described as "nutty" or "earthy".
Shochu is drunk in many ways according to season or personal taste but is most commonly drunk:

  • straight.
  • on the rocks, i.e., mixed with ice.
  • diluted with water.
  • diluted with hot water.
  • mixed with oolong tea or fruit juice.

Shochu recently became the focus of a consumer boom, and in 2003 shipments within Japan surpassed those of sake for the first time.

There are several reasons for shochu's recent popularity. With increasing health-consciousness, many people see it as ‘more healthy?than some alternatives. Shochu is a low-calorie drink whose few calories are converted to heat by the body and emitted. There have been well publicised claims of medical benefits, including that it can be effective in preventing thrombosis, heart attacks, and diabetes. It is also a versatile drink that is suited to most styles of cuisine.

Shochu has become better known as a result of one man who consumed it regularly. Shigechiyo Izumi, a Japanese citizen who up until recently held the world record for longest life span (120 years), made shochu part of his daily dietary regimen. This fact was mentioned along with his record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Because of his intimate passion for shochu, many have speculated that shochu is healthy and can actually promote longevity.

Despite these claims, Izumi's personal physician strongly advised against drinking shochu, as his kidneys were not strong enough to process shochu in his advanced age. But Izumi went on to say: "Without shochu there would be no pleasure in life. I would rather die than give up drinking."

We currently have four different types of Shochu available. The house Shochu is available by the glass and the other three are sold by the bottle. Any unused bottles purchased can be stored for your next visit to Etsu.

Iichiko Silhouette (wheat) 720ml                                                                          
A unique blend of spirit derived from quality barley, fermented with care and natural water.
Iichiko is very well known is Japan, and this is extremely popular, always available in bars & restaurants                                                                                                                         
Imo Ikkokumono 720ml (sweet potato)                                                                      
Clear and smooth with a light sweet finish                                                                                 
Kurokame 750ml (sweet potato)                                                                                  
 Sweet potato shochu, intense and flavorful.                                                                                
 House Shochu - Jun Shochu                                                                                              
Jun is a Kori Shochu of the finest quality. A very light and clean taste. Milder and more complex than Vodka.