Mizu Shochu (Lemongrass / Saga Barley)

Mizu · Saga
Alcohol Shochu Alcohol Growing export

Believed to be the first shochu developed specifically for export markets, Mizu is a barley shochu range (Lemongrass, Green Tea, Saga, Sakura Cask) built for Western bartenders and cocktails. A category trendsetter for over a decade, designed to introduce shochu to the US on-trade.

The supplierMizu brand (Nehan Spirits), launched 2013 by Jesse Falowitz & Jeremy Kono — believed to be the first shochu designed specifically for export. Produced at Munemasa Shuzo (Arita, Saga; est. 1985). Founder-led, fully English/B2B and US-market native.
Why it sells abroadFirst export-designed shochu; cocktail-forward flavored expressions (lemongrass, green tea, sakura cask); built for Western bars and mixology

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHACCP: not publicly verified (production contracted to a Saga distillery partner; Munemasa Shuzo widely cited). Export food-safety: not publicly verified. No halal/organic/kosher certification found.
Pack formats750ml (US-spec) and 720ml bottles; cartons 12s. Confirmed via retail listings.
Shelf lifeDistilled shochu — very long/indefinite sealed; flavor best within ~24 months.
StorageCool, dark, upright.
Minimum orderAvailable via US distributor (Sazerac network) at standard case level; low effective MOQ for US trade
Lead timeUS-stocked via distributor (days domestically); replenishment Typical: ~6–8 weeks from Japan
CapacitySmall-batch craft at partner distillery; moderate volume tied to Munemasa Shuzo output
Container loadTypical: ~1,000 cases (720ml ×12) per 20ft
PricingEstimate: premium craft spirit; FOB ~USD 14–20/750ml wholesale equivalent
OEM / private labelBrand only — Mizu is a branded export concept; production is contract/OEM-made for the Mizu brand (Mizu itself does not offer private label to third parties).
Wholesale & MOQSpecialty spirits importers; case MOQ. Targeted on-trade distribution.
Key exporters & distributorsUmami Mart (retail), specialty US spirits importers
Export regulationUS TTB/COLA + state tier; positioned for cocktail bars; EU excise + labeling.
Market demandStrong US craft-spirits/cocktail pull; distributed in ~30 states via Sazerac; DTC in ~40 states; UK/CA/AU growth
How to source itUS: Sazerac distributor network; brand direct (Nehan Spirits); craft-spirits marketplaces. FOODEX/JETRO for new markets.
Verified sourceshttps://www.drinkmizu.com/
MakerMizu Shochu (Saga distillery partner)
OriginSaga
CategoryAlcohol / Shochu
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code2208.90
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.