If you want to drink Awamori in Iriomote Island, this is it! Selected 5 Awamori Selections
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What is Awamori?
Popular not only in Okinawa but also throughout Japan, awamori is an alcoholic beverage created from Okinawa's unique culture and has the following four main characteristics.
- Thai rice is used as raw material
- Using black koji mold
- The brewing process is a one-time all-koji brewing process (shochu and other common liquors are brewed in the second stage).
- Distillation is done using a single distillation machine.
Once you get hooked on Awamori, which is made with a unique storage method in terms of raw materials and manufacturing methods, even from a global perspective, you cannot escape.
Unfortunately, there are no breweries currently producing Awamori on Iriomote Island, but for those who have come all the way to Okinawa and want to try some recommended Awamori, here are five recommended Awamori.Awamori is a mysterious and fascinating liquor that the more you know about it, the more you will love it. Please try drinking Awamori when you come to Iriomote Island, Okinawa!
Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.
Enjoy and taste in Iriomote Island! 5 popular Awamori!
1. Iriomote <Iriomote
There used to be a sake brewery on Iriomote Island, but unfortunately it is now gone.However, there were many requests from local people for Awamori made from the clean water of Iriomote Island, and in response to those requests, Ishigaki-based Koefuku Shuzo Co.
Iriomote Island is rich in crystal clear water, as more than 901 t3t of the island is subtropical jungle. By using the water produced by this great nature for brewing, we can make sake with a hint of sweetness.
The recommended way to drink it is on the rocks or with water, which allows you to enjoy the sweetness of the liquor itself. Since it is soft to the taste, it is recommended for beginners! It is also popular as a souvenir because of the illustration of the Iriomote wildcat on the label.
- Degree: 30 degrees
- Brewing water: Hard water
- Recommended to drink: on the rocks or with water
2. Awami
This is a common sake produced at the Hateruma Sake Brewery, which is said to be "the southernmost sake brewery in Japan. The brewery uses groundwater from Hateruma Island as the brewing water, which has a slightly salty taste that gives it a soft aroma and a sweet, mellow taste. The unique flavor of Awamori is enhanced when served with water, and the more you drink it, the more you will be addicted to it! This is a must-try for all Awamori fans.
Also, because Awamami is made by the Hateruma Brewery "for the locals," production is very small, and it is said that it is difficult to purchase Awamori through normal channels, making it a fantastic Awamori to try at least once.It is said to be the "miracle Awamori" in Okinawa.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
- Degree: 30 degrees
- Brewing water: Soft water
- Recommended to drink: with water
3. Kuon .
This sake is produced by Taragawa Corporation, located in Okinawa Prefecture. It has an alcohol content of 35 degrees and is made with hard water. Made with Miyako Island groundwater (Taragawa's water), this long-aged old sake has a base of 10-year old sake and is blended with more mellow and slightly younger old sake that has been aged for more than 10 years to achieve a perfect balance without blurring the flavor. It is of the highest quality and won the 2016 Monde Selection "Highest Gold Award". It is a stable and highly popular product among Ryukyu Awamori.
We recommend pouring it over the top into a glass filled with ice and taking your time to enjoy the unique aroma of Awamori and the taste that changes as the ice melts little by little.
- Degree of alcohol content: 35
- Brewing water: Hard water
- Recommended way to drink: on the rocks
4. Kumi
Awamori won the Monde Selection Gold and High Quality Award in 2008.It is a top-quality aged old sake that has also received various other awards, such as the 2009 Okinawa Prefecture's Best Excellent Prefectural Product Award!Matured in a jar, this old sake has a mild sweetness and flavor. It is delicious straight, on the rocks, with water, or with hot water, but we recommend it straight! Although it has a high alcohol content of 42%, the sweet aroma that fills the bottle the moment it is poured is recommended not only for Awamori lovers, but also for Awamori beginners.
We hope you will try this rare and highly prized gem.
- Degree: 42 degrees
- Brewing water: Soft water
- Recommended drinking method: Straight
5. Sennen no Hibiki
Old wine with a sweet aroma and gentle mouthfeel like brandy.With a relatively low alcohol content of 25%, it is an easy-to-drink alcoholic beverage.It has an aroma as if the aroma locked up in the barrel is released at once by long-term aging in oak barrels. We recommend drinking it on the rocks to enjoy its rich aroma and deep flavor!
The beautiful wrapping makes it a popular gift.
- Degree of alcohol content: 25
- Brewing water: Hard water
- Recommended way to drink: on the rocks
Awamori recommendations by region
Yonaguni Island
Maituna (Iriamihira Sake Brewery) ... A thick but soft and refreshing Awamori.
Yonaguni (Sakimoto Sake Brewery) ... Yonaguni 30°, a standard Awamori with a mild taste for its strength and easy drinking.
DONAN (Kokusen Awamori)...Mellow, with a rich aroma that spreads in the mouth. It is easy to drink without feeling the alcohol content.
Ishigaki Island
Shirayuri (Ikehara Sake Brewery) ... It has a rich, sweet taste with a rustic, unique flavor that is enjoyable. It has a strong and unique habit.
Omoto (Takamine Sake Brewery)...Awamori brewed with natural water from the Omoto mountain range, the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture. It is described as "syrupy and mellow. It won the Governor's Award at the Awamori Competition in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Miyanotsuru (Nakama Sake Brewery)...Handmade awamori produced using a local kettle. It is a warm product that exudes elegance in its simple flavor.
Keefuku (Keefuku Shuzo) ... Uses the traditional open-flame distillation method. The distillation process is a traditional method of distilling over an open flame oven.
Yaesen (Yaesen Shuzo) ... Awamori made by preserving the traditional taste and nurtured by the blessings of nature. It is characterized by its mellow aroma and drinkability.
Tamano-Dew (Tamanaha Brewery)...Good both straight and in cocktails. It is an all-purpose Awamori that can be enjoyed in any way you like.
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How was it? If you go all the way to Iriomote Island, how nice to toast with Awamori at night! Isn't it wonderful? There are few stores in Iriomote Island, so you may look for it at souvenir stores in Ishigaki and bring it with you. It is also nice to drink Awamori after the trip while remembering the trip. Please find your favorite bottle!
All the fun of Iriomote Island is here↓.
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