Shochu Celebration & Tasting in Sacramento
2025/8/26
Opening comments by Deputy Consul General Ishihara
Remarks by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
On Tuesday, August 19, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association jointly hosted the first-ever Celebration of Shochu in California’s capitol city to highlight the history, taste, and unique aspects of the Japanese distilled spirit. This event also celebrated the passage of Assembly Bill AB-416, cosponsered by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, which removed a longstanding barrier that prevented Shochu of 24% ABV or less being sold under a wine & beer license in California.
During the event at The Snug in Midtown Sacramento, participants from the California State Legislature, Japanese companies, and community organizations were introduced to Shochu by spirits educator Don Lee, followed by tasting of cocktails from James Beard Award-winning Bar Kumiko founder Julia Momose and Shochu Cocktail Competition winner Kendra Hada, as well as over 20 different types of Shochu, including products from 171-year-old Yatsushika Brewery in Oita Prefecture.
In addition, prior to this event, members of the beverage and hospitality industry were also treated to in-depth presentations on the history and science of Shochu, Shochu food and ingredient pairing guidance, and beverage-making advice.
During the event at The Snug in Midtown Sacramento, participants from the California State Legislature, Japanese companies, and community organizations were introduced to Shochu by spirits educator Don Lee, followed by tasting of cocktails from James Beard Award-winning Bar Kumiko founder Julia Momose and Shochu Cocktail Competition winner Kendra Hada, as well as over 20 different types of Shochu, including products from 171-year-old Yatsushika Brewery in Oita Prefecture.
In addition, prior to this event, members of the beverage and hospitality industry were also treated to in-depth presentations on the history and science of Shochu, Shochu food and ingredient pairing guidance, and beverage-making advice.
Shochu history presentation by Don Lee
Toast by Assemblymember Alex Lee
Julia Momose and Kendra Hada introduce Shochu-based cocktails
Masunao Aso of Yatsushika Brewery discussing Shochu with guests
Guests enjoying Shochu samples with food pairings from Kru
Group photo of attendees at the celebration
