| Brand | Lento |
| Region | Amami Island, Kagoshima, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Shochu |
| Spirits Style | |
| ABV | 24% |
Product details
Lento Kokuto Shochu is the flagship brown‑sugar spirit from Amami Oshima Kaiun Shuzo, nestled in the tropical rainforests of southern Amami-Oshima (established 1996). This distinctive shochu is crafted from locally grown sugar cane, purified Mt. Yuwan spring water, and white rice koji. The mash is vacuum-distilled, then aged for three months in tanks serenaded with classical music — a technique known as onkyo jukusei or acoustic aging — imparting a smoother, more rounded aroma and nuanced sweetness. Its name, “Lento” (Italian for “slowly”), reflects both this gentle maturation and its serene turquoise “Amami blue” bottle. As the most popular kokuto shochu in Japan, Lento bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance.
On the nose and palate, Lento is softly sweet, with fragrant brown‑sugar and tropical‑grass aromas evocative of Amami’s landscapes. The flavor opens with a medium-rich sweetness that mellows into a smooth, melting texture, thanks to dual yeast strains—one for aroma, one for taste. At 24–25% ABV and light in body, it’s versatile—enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails with soda or Hoppy. Lento’s subtly sweet yet clean profile makes it an excellent rum substitute: pair it with sashimi, grilled seafood, poke bowls, tropical fruit desserts, or sticky ribs for a harmonious flavor match. Served chilled in a small glass, it invites slow sipping—true to its name—and a peaceful moment of island-inspired indulgence.
