Jikuya Distillery

Satsuma-cho, Kagoshima Prefecture

Situated in the foothills of Mount Shibi, Jikuya Distillery makes traditional Satsuma sweet potato shochu in a stainless pot still. Satsuma Shochu holds World Trade Organization geographical indication status just like Champagne or Cognac. Due to the rich mineral content of the local spring water, Jikuya makes a dry style of sweet potato shochu unique to the region.

Available from this distillery

Toji Profile: Maiko Jikuya

After nearly 8 years living, studying, and working in New York City, Maiko returned to Japan to begin her training as a shochu maker. She took over as the master brewer-distiller in 2011 and became president of the company in 2016 upon her father’s retirement. Maiko endeavors to maintain her family traditions while innovating to put her unique stamp on their products.

Jikuya Distillery master brewer-distiller, Maiko Jikuya, stands amid a room full of sweet potato shochu aging in clay pots.