Kōchi prefecture produces some of Japan's most respected sake, distinguished by its dry, clean style — karakuchi rather than the sweeter amakuchi of some other regions. The climate and the soft water of the Shikoku mountains suit sake brewing, and the city's culture of serious drinking has always given local brewers a ready audience.
The two names to know are Suigei (literally "drunk whale" — a drinking reference) and Tosaturu ("Tosa crane"), both available at izakayas throughout the city. At Hirome Market you can try several Kōchi sakes side by side from different vendors. A few liquor shops near the arcade sell bottles to take away, including aged koshu varieties and limited-run seasonal releases. The local yuzu sake and yuzu shochu are also worth seeking out.