🥃 Iki
Japan's protected geographical indication for barley shōchū from Iki Island (Nagasaki): only barley and rice koji in roughly 2:1 ratio, island water, single distillation.
Iki is Japan's protected geographical indication for barley shōchū made on Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. The spirit is distilled once in a pot still; the grain is only barley, the koji only rice, and the water comes from the island's underground springs. Iki is called the home of barley shōchū and, together with Kuma and Satsuma, is one of the three Kyushu protected names for shōchū.
Requirements. According to the specification of the National Tax Agency, rice koji and grain are taken in roughly a 1:2 ratio by weight. First a primary mash is made from rice koji and water, then barley steamed in water is added. The fermented mash is distilled in a pot still. Fermentation, distillation, storage and bottling must all take place in the city of Iki.
How it differs from other barley shōchū. Mugi shōchū is made across Japan, including in Oita Prefecture. The name Iki may be used only by producers who meet the requirements and are confirmed by the Iki shōchū management committee. The island itself lies in the Genkai Sea north of Kyushu, and the mineral water, according to the specification, helps fermentation and gives a clear taste.
Scale. According to the Japanese government, seven distilleries on the island work with traditional methods. The protection of the name has applied since 1995 — the same year, according to available data, Japan also protected Kuma and «Ryukyu».
Why it matters to you. The name Iki on the label guarantees the island, barley and rice koji, but not the taste of a particular brand. Check the strength on the label: single-distilled shōchū can reach 45 % vol. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Legal basis | Japanese PGI «Iki», National Tax Agency; Liquor Tax Act No. 6 of 1953, Art. 3 item 10 |
|---|---|
| Raw material | barley and rice koji in roughly 2:1 by weight; water from Iki |
| Distillation method | single pot-still distillation on Iki Island |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | up to 45 % vol. |
| Year founded | PGI since 1995 (according to official sources) |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Iki → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Made from
- 🥃 Barley and malt in whisky
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 Japanese
- Part of
- 🥃 Shochu, 🥃 Mugi shōchū
- Related to
- 🌍 East Asia
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Kome shōchū, 🥃 Imo shōchū, 🥃 Awamori, 🥃 Kuma, 🥃 Kuma, 🥃 Satsuma, 🥃 Satsuma, 🥃 Soba shōchū, 🥃 Soba shōchū
Frequently asked questions
Is Iki made from rice?
No. Rice is used only for the koji; the grain is barley alone, in a koji-to-grain ratio of about 1:2 by weight.
Where is Iki shōchū made?
Only in the city of Iki, on the island of the same name in the Genkai Sea, Nagasaki Prefecture.
What water is needed for Iki?
Water collected in the city of Iki; the specification stresses the island's mineral underground water.
How does Iki differ from other barley shōchū?
By its protected name: barley and koji, as well as fermentation, distillation, storage and bottling, must take place on the island.
What is the strength of Iki?
As for single-distilled shōchū, not above 45 % vol. by law; check the exact figure on the label.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🥃 Barley and malt in whisky — Malted barley is the base of whisky: malt enzymes convert starch in the mash, and EU whisky is distilled below 94.8% vol.
- 🌍 East Asia — A region in the east of Asia — China, Japan and Korea: milk became an everyday food only in the 20th century, but there are old traditions such as rushan and so; China ranks third in the world for vineyard area.
- 🥃 Awamori — Okinawan distillate from rice koji of black mold; GI Ryukyu since 1995; kusu is aged 3 years or more in jars and bottles.
- 🥃 Kome shōchū — Japanese single-distilled shochu from rice and rice koji, up to 45% ABV; the best known is the protected name Kuma from Kumamoto Prefecture (since 1995).
Similar
🥃 Kuma · 🥃 Satsuma · 🥃 Awamori · 🥃 Irish Poteen · 🥃 Emsländer Korn · 🥃 Genièvre de grains / Graanjenever
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- National Tax Agency of Japan: product specification of the GI Iki (壱岐): Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture; grains barley only, koji rice koji; rice koji to grain about 1:2 by weight; water collected in Iki City; fermentation, distillation, storage and bottling in the area; pot distillation; control body Iki Shochu Management Committee
- Government of Japan, Highlighting Japan (02.2021): Iki — barley shōchū, GI together with Kuma and Satsuma; traditional one-third rice koji to two-thirds barley; seven distilleries make Iki in the traditional way
- Liquor Tax Act of Japan (Act No. 6 of 1953), Art. 3 items 9–10: continuous-distilled and pot-distilled shochu
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)