Anything Vodka Can Do, Shochu Can Do Better
"Japanese vodka," as shochu is sometimes called, has been gaining converts among Japan's young drinkers for some time now. It is now becoming popular in some areas of the United States as well. Shochu benefits from California's liquor laws, which allows beverages with under 25% alcohol content to be sold in establishments with only a beer and wine license. Takara Shochu is the leading name. (Seattle Weekly, May 31, 2006)