KAGEMUSHA: SHADOW WARRIOR

Kagemusha means “shadow warrior” and was the title of a 1980 Akira Kurosawa film. The shochu gets its name from the black koji and robust imo flavor. The sexy black bottle & black label with gold and red trim add to the mystique.

Kagemusha is a classic imo in its earthy nose – you can smell that fresh dirt off the potatoes. The strangest part is that it’s also gives the vague sense of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.  A vaguely sweet yet herby palate –  as in fresh herbs, not as in Chinese medicine – gives way to a buttery mouth feel. The finish comes with a cinnamon-burn and a lingering taste as if you’ve just finished a warm cookie.