This is the first time to choose Awamori from Okinawa! A complete guide from types to taste characteristics
Table of Contents
- 1 If you're new to Okinawa awamori, here's what you need to know should know the basic points
- 2 Types and Characteristics of Okinawa Awamori
- 3 Okinawa limited and famous Awamori brands
- 4 Okinawa Awamori Ranking
- 5 Awamori can be enjoyed Okinawa Izakaya
- 6 Sake brewery tours You can also enjoy a tour of the brewery.
- 7 About Awamori Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8 summary
The first time someone chooses Awamori from Okinawa.
Basic points to know
Awamori is a traditional Okinawan liquor,Japan's oldest distilled liquorThe large number of types and degrees makes it difficult for beginners to choose the right one.
However, if you keep the basics of "koji," "distillation," "aging," and "alcohol content" in mind, you will be able to find a bottle that suits your taste.
This article introduces the types of Awamori, how to choose, Okinawa-only brands, ranking for beginners, and how to enjoy Awamori at izakaya (Japanese style pubs) in an easy-to-understand manner.
First-time visitors can choose from a wide range of options.“Awamori Beginner's Guide”!
◆Those who want to know the difference of types and tastes of Awamori.
◆For those who want to compare Okinawa-only and famous brands
◆For those who want to know which Awamori is easy to drink even for beginners
Click here to see the ranking of popular plans in Okinawa
Types and Characteristics of Okinawa Awamori
Awamori differs from ordinary shochu in its manufacturing process and ingredients, and has a unique Okinawan character.
The greatest feature is that "All Koji method using Thai riceIt is brewed with black yeast and distilled by a single-stage distillation process. It is brewed with black yeast and distilled by a single-stage distillation process, resulting in a deep aroma and rich flavor.
Aging also rounds out the aroma and changes it to a mellow mouthfeel.
To understand how to choose Awamori,Difference between regular and old sakeAnd,alcohol content (usu. expressed per cent), ,Aroma and flavor trendsIt is important to know things such as
Difference between regular and old sake
Awamori is largely a "General sake (new sake)and "Old wine (Koo Sue)The following is categorized as "1.
Old wine (Koo Sue)Kozhu: Kozhu refers to Awamori that has been aged for three years or more. The aging process removes the corners of the sake, giving it a sweet, rounded aroma and a deep, rich flavor. Some rare old liquors are aged for 10 or 20 years and are popular as Okinawan souvenirs and gifts. It is easy to drink even for beginners, but it has a profound flavor and strong aroma, and is recommended for those who want to take their time and enjoy it.
Criteria for selecting by frequency, aroma, and taste
The taste of Awamori varies greatly depending on the brand. When choosingpointis as follows
interpoint (interword separation)degree (e.g. temperature)The most common type of sake is 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, but there are also "hara-shu" or "koshu" (old sake) that are 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Beginners should try the 25Mellow typewill be easy to drink.
interpoint (interword separation)flavorThe range of types is wide, from light and easy to drink to full-bodied, traditional and deep, allowing you to choose according to your tastes.
How to drink suitable for beginners
Awamori is a highly flexible drink, and the following styles are especially recommended for beginners.
interpoint (interword separation)alcohol (usu. whiskey or shochu) diluted with waterStandard drinking method: the peculiarities are softened and the aroma is expanded.
interpoint (interword separation)soda water: Refreshing and easy to drink with fruit.
interpoint (interword separation)cocktail: Great with Okinawan fruits such as seekwasa, pineapple, mango, etc.
Beginners who do not yet know their preferences should start withalcohol (usu. whiskey or shochu) diluted with waterand ... andsoda waterIt is easier to enjoy the individuality of Awamori if you start with
Okinawa limited and famous Awamori brands
There are many breweries in Okinawa, each producing unique awamori.
Popular with travelersOkinawa Limited Awamoriand nationally knownbrand-name goodsis a major point in choosing Awamori ◎.
Here are some notable types for beginners to choose from.
Limited Awamori available only in Okinawa
Awamori that is limited to Okinawa or limited to a brewery is especially popular on trips to Okinawa.
There are also airport- and region-specific bottles, which are very appreciated as souvenirs due to their rarity.
Typical examples include limited-edition airport bottles and limited-edition tourist destination bottles, which are beautifully packaged and visually pleasing.
Many limited editions of old sake are also available, making them very special.giftIt is best suited as a
Popular and well-known brands and features
Popular inside and outside of Okinawa and easily chosen by beginners.brand-name goodsinclude the following
interpoint (interword separation)chrysanthemum dewFull-bodied and easy to combine with food
interpoint (interword separation)Kume narcissusLight and easy to drink, a staple in taverns.
interpoint (interword separation)Ryukyu Dynasty (of Japan): The mellowness of old sake is appealing.
These brands are often found in supermarkets and izakayas in Okinawa Prefecture, so they are easy to find and easy to try.
Popular Awamori souvenirs
The characteristics of Awamori chosen as souvenirs are as follows.
Cute mini-bottle set
Fine bottles of old wine (coozhou)
Products with Okinawan character on the label
Smaller capacity and lighter weight are important for ease of carryout and good appearance.popularityÂ
↓OkinawaLearn more about popular souvenirs of the
Okinawa Awamori Ranking
Here we divide them into three categories: beginners, famous brands, and old wines,Recommended Awamorito introduce you to the following.
2. Kumesen 30° (Kumesen Shuzo)It has little peculiarity and is suitable for mixing with water or soda.
3. Masahiro (Masahiro Sake Brewery): Well-balanced flavor, easy to match with food.
2. Zuisen 30 degreesA representative brand of a traditional sake brewery that goes well with meals.
3. Ryukyu Dynasty Old SakeA popular entry point for old sake.
2. Zanba Premium Old Sake: The gorgeous aroma makes it a great gift.
3. Ryukyu Classic Old Sake: A fine old sake with a deep richness and a lingering finish.
Awamori can be enjoyed
Okinawa Izakaya
Okinawa.tavernis the perfect place to enjoy Awamori ◎
There are many izakayas on the main island of Okinawa and the outlying islands that offer 30 to 50 varieties of awamori, and even beginners can enjoy them while consulting with the staff on how to drink them.
Especially in Naha and Kokusai-dori area for tourists.Drink Comparison Set There is also an abundance of stores that offer
↓ For more information about popular izakayas around Kokusai Dori, click here↓.
Sake brewery tours are also available.
Spots to enjoy
There are breweries in Okinawa where you can tour a sake brewery and learn about the history and production process of Awamori, a valuable experience.
Awamori limited to the breweryis available for purchase, making it ideal for those looking for a special souvenir.
Here are some popular sake breweries.
Zuisen Shuzo (Naha City)
Zuisen Shuzo is known as a traditional sake brewery under Shuri Castle and was founded in 1887.
Made with spring water from Shuri and black malted ricemellow (flavor or fragrance, esp. alcohol)Awamori is characterized by the production of a high quality Awamori.
During the brewery tour, you can see the old sake (kusu) aging cellar up close and experience the mellow aroma of the space.â
After the tour, limited old sake is available for purchase, making this the perfect brewery for those who want to learn more about the depth of Awamori.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Helios Brewery (Nago City)
Helios Brewery is a diversified brewery that produces not only Awamori, but also whiskey, rum, and craft beer◎.
While touring the spacious factory, visitors can learn about the distillation process and barrel aging of Awamori.
especiallyAwamori stored in barrelsis a popular brewery, with many fans visiting for the tour-only bottles.
Access: 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Masahiro Sake Brewery (Itoman City)
A long-established sake brewery with a history dating back to 1881.
."Masahiro MuseumThe museum is also equipped with an "Awamori Museum" that displays the Awamori culture of Okinawa, tools from the past, and the manufacturing process in an easy-to-understand manner.
The free tour-style tour is ideal for first-time visitors to the brewery. At the tasting corner, visitors can taste a wide range of sake, from easy-to-drink awamori for beginners to old sake.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
About Awamori
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
Awamori is a fascinating alcoholic beverage that continues to be loved along with Okinawan culture and history.
Beginners should start with the easy-to-drink 25% type, and when you get used to it, you can try the mellowness and deep aroma of old sake to get a better taste of Awamori.depthYou will feel the
Knowing Okinawa's limited and famous brands makes it easier to choose the right Awamori for you and makes your trip more enjoyable♪.
Furthermore, experiencing Awamori at an izakaya or on a brewery tour will give you a clearer sense of the individuality and appeal of each brand.
We hope this article will help you find the perfect Awamori for you and enjoy the profound world of Okinawa's proud traditional liquor to the fullest!
↓Click here to read the article.
