焼酎 (shōchū) is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit made from various ingredients, including barley, sweet potatoes, rice, and even buckwheat. It typically has an alcohol content ranging from 25% to 45%. Shōchū can be enjoyed in various ways, such as neat, on the rocks, or mixed with water or soda. Unlike sake, which is brewed, shōchū undergoes a distillation process, resulting in a stronger flavor and higher alcohol content. There are two main types of shōchū: single distilled (honkaku) and multiple distilled (korui), each offering unique taste profiles. Shōchū is popular in Japan, especially in the southern regions like Kagoshima and Kumamoto.