HATCH, a downtown LA hotspot known for its innovative cuisine and cocktails, recently hosted TBDE to explore the world of shochu with Nikaido, a renowned shochu producer.

Nikaido: A Legacy of Shochu Excellence

Hailing from Japan's Oita prefecture, Nikaido is a pioneer in shochu making. Their legacy traces back to the origins of barley shochu, boasting the first-ever 100% barley shochu crafted with barley koji. As pioneers of the 'new style' shochu, Nikaido has captivated Japan with their balanced, crisp, and clean taste, enriched by a fruity barley heart that sings with clarity and depth

Tasting the Art of Shochu

HATCH Bar Manager Oscar Monterossa created three stunning cocktails showcasing the versatility of Nikaido Shochu:

Sakura Silk: This floral drink combines Nikaido shochu with gin, sakura rose syrup, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur.
Tokyo Stinger: A tropical twist, this cocktail features Nikaido shochu, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup, green chartreuse, and a touch of sophistication.
Pandan Express: Unique flavors come together in this concoction made with Nikaido shochu, pandan syrup, lemon juice, coconut cream, and a touch of matcha powder.

Nikaido's clean base perfectly complements the various ingredients, allowing each cocktail's distinct flavors to shine through.

A Culinary Symphony

As the cocktails flowed, Chef Erick presented a feast for the senses featuring several must try dishes:

Grilled Bone Marrow: A decadent starter, roasted bone marrow with house tare house shiso vinegar, green onion, paired with grilled garlic mochi bread
Wagyu & Wasabi: Black Hawk Wagyu steak served with freshly grated wasabi for a delightful combination.
Corn Tempura Tower: A creative dish featuring sweet corn fritters served with your choice of sauces Fuji apple umeboshi, Yuzu Kosho mayo and black garlic habanero mayo.
Lamb Lollipop: Herb-crusted A4 lamb served with house pickles for a satisfying finish.

Beyond the Plate: The HATCH Experience

HATCH goes beyond merely offering delicious food and drinks. With Chef Erick, GM Ray Oh, Bar Manager Oscar Monterossa and founders Akarad and Nara at the helm, the team designs an immersive dining experience that embraces community, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

An Invitation to Adventure

Join us in raising a glass to Nikaido, HATCH, and the endless possibilities of flavor exploration. This collaboration between a legendary shochu producer and a creative culinary team takes us on a journey beyond the ordinary. Let's embark on this adventure together and discover new horizons of taste and delight!

About Nikaido

The Nikaido family has been brewing and distilling in Oita for 8 generations, since 1866. Independence and family ownership has enabled the Nikaido company to consistently follow a singular vision and pursue a chosen ideal without compromise. Honkaku shochu was revolutionized by the invention of 100% Barley shochu, an innovation pioneered by Akira Nikaido, producing a new lighter, cleaner taste, which immediately gained popularity throughout Japan.

This new type of cleaner, smoother shochu hit a sweetspot, easy-drinking but still rich in flavor. It completely transformed what shochu meant to Japan from a regional speciality in the 70s and 80s to today being Japan’s favorite drink, putting Oita Mugi Shochu on the map. Despite being a company of only 50 people, Nikaido is the 5th biggest shochu producer,and one of very few independently owned companies of scale.

A Night of Shochu Discovery with Nikaido at HATCH