The Basics: We know about Sake, but what is Shochu?

Shochu is a Japanese distilled beverage. The difference between Sake and Shochu is like the difference between Wine and Whisky:
There are many varieties of Shochu, distilled from various ingredients (like sweet potatoes, rice, barley, buckwheat…) while Sake is made only from rice, and is brewed and fermented like wine or beer. 

Shochu’s alcohol content is around 25% or higher, while Sake’s is usually around 15%.

What is "Honkaku" Shochu?

All the different varieties of Shochu we produce are called "Honkaku (本格)" Shochu. Honkaku Shochu is also called Otsurui (乙類) shochu.

"Honkaku" literally means authentic or genuine Shochu.
To be labeled "Honkaku Shochu", a Shochu has to fulfill certain criteria that are specified by Japanese law. Honkaku Shochu is artisan-crafted, single pot-distilled (While "Korui (甲類)" Shochu is multi-distilled), from only one material (i.e. sweet potatoes or barley) plus the addition of koji (a type of fungus) for fermentation. This process retains the most flavors, the richest aromas and reflects the unique characteristics of its base ingredient.

What is the Satsuma Shochu logo means?

The Satsuma Shochu logo means the Geographical Indications (GI).
If the product has this logo, it means that the Shochu is produced in Kagoshima, using local materials, in traditional way.