Over four years ago, two men had a fateful meeting on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

One was Norman Lodge, a renowned New Zealand Food Scientist who had invented Kiwifruit wine, among other things. The other was Brian Carran, an accomplished supermarket owner and entrepreneur.

Norman had long nurtured a passion to produce a top-quality Shochu, but lacked an investor. Brian, realising the opportunity to bring together the world's best sweet potato and an ancient Japanese tradition, became that investor.

From the very beginning, Norman and Brian were determined to create the highest quality Imo Shochu, without compromise.