Recently, I've been looking at various rankings of barley shochu, and choosing one is really difficult. Since it's characterized by being light and easy to drink, the fact that you can enjoy it every night is its charm. It goes well with hot water, soda, or water, and it also pairs nicely with food, making it very convenient.

The top-ranked barley shochu in the popularity rankings are, of course, Sato's barley and the Iichiko series. Sato's barley has a truly rich aroma, and when you drink it on the rocks, the boldness of the barley comes out strongly. On the other hand, Iichiko offers a wide variety, from beginner-friendly packs to barrel-aged specials. Kamino Kawa also has an impressive aroma from its wooden barrel aging, and like Iki Super Gold, it showcases regional character.

Personally, I use different types for everyday drinking and for special occasions. For weekday evening drinks, I prefer light and less astringent ones, and on weekends, I enjoy rich and fragrant varieties. It's fun to find the one that suits your taste while referencing the popularity rankings. It also pairs excellently with Chinese and ethnic cuisines, making it truly a great accompaniment to meals.

Choosing barley shochu is actually quite deep. The aroma profile, aftertaste, alcohol content, and other small details can change the impression. Trying out the highly-rated ones from the popularity rankings is a good idea, or you can compare and find that one perfect bottle yourself. If you can find a smooth, non-boring barley shochu, that would be the best.