{"title":"Awamori","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"zuisen-hakuryu-kusu-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Zuisen Hakuryu Kusu Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" data-mce-selected=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\"\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-002-rice-in-shochu-march-2020\"\u003eMarch 2020\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAwamoris must be made in Okinawa, with rice and black koji, and tend to be very grassy, herbal, and funky. Quite honestly, it’s been challenging to find good awamoris in the States. Often, I’ll try an awamori here and they are overpoweringly alcoholic, unbalanced, and sorry to say, unpleasant. This may be the nature of Indica rice, along with the pungent black koji, and why there is such a rich history of agin awamoris in Okinawa – to mellow out flavors over time. So it was no surprise that Hakuryu, made with a blend of aged awamoris (the oldest being 8 years old!) is as smooth and easy as it comes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eNutty, carmely, with a sweet potato-like earthiness, I love this awamori with its long, dry finish, best served on the rocks\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eor \u003cem\u003emizuwari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(with ice water). Pair with rich protein dishes\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003elike my favorites from Albany’s Lao Thai Kitchen: raw beef larb, Nam Kao salad, Lao sausage, and red duck curry. The spicier, the better!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Zuisen Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% long grain koji rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 25.9% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25.3 fl oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Zuisen Distillery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31765144895567,"sku":"05-500-0004","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/zuisen.jpg?v=1594763366"},{"product_id":"mizuho-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Mizuho Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-004-the-tropics-september-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=99cefb73f\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"155\" width=\"79\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" alt=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" data-mce-selected=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\"\u003eJune 2021\u003c\/a\u003e .\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI dare you to open this bottle and not finish it all in one night! What I love about awamori is its unique aroma, thanks to the liberal use of black koji – this bottle exemplifies this greatly with notes of Swiss Miss hot chocolate, rice candy, and butterscotch; yet the palate remains crisp. Mizuho has been making awamori since 1848, “Making koji by hand, brewing and distilling it carefully, and aging it slowly,” said Mr. Akira Nakazato of the company. Drink this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eon the rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e with many friends, around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKorean BBQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or the next \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebackyard smokeout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e on a hot summer night.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Mizuho Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice \u003cem\u003ekoji\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV: 20% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39307601936463,"sku":"05-500-0006","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/mizuho.jpg?v=1629427243"},{"product_id":"chuko-ryukyu-kusu-awamori-btl-750ml","title":"Chuko Ryukyu Kusu Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-004-the-tropics-september-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=99cefb73f\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" height=\"155\" width=\"79\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJune 2021 \"Awamori Bazaar\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSince 1949 Chuko has been making awamori, and what sets them apart today is the on-site kiln used to fire the clay pots for making kusu. In 2007, Chuko discovered the technology to extract yeast from mangos, and have released various renditions of awamori utilizing this yeast. Mr. Yasufumi Tokuda of Chuko said, “Mango yeast does not create a specific flavor, rather it creates 4-Vinyl Guaiacol (4VG), which creates a strong vanilla aroma during the maturation process.” Get fig leaf, Milk Duds, and soy sauce on the nose; enjoy this complex nectar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emizuwari\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (with water) with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eoysters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esteak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eneat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e in a wine glass for dessert with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebutter cookies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebrownies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. It also makes an excellent Martini!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Chuko Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 43% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric \/ Yeast: Mango \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: 3 years minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: stainless steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chuko Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39307606065231,"sku":"05-500-0007","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/chuko_awamori_sq.jpg?v=1619997273"},{"product_id":"awamori-bazaar-with-nick-korn","title":"Awamori Bazaar with Nick Korn","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFree entry for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/sake-and-shochu-gumi\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/sake-and-shochu-gumi\"\u003eSake + Shochu Gumi\u003c\/a\u003e members and customers who purchase any \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\"\u003eawamori\u003c\/a\u003e through July 21\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRSVP at shochu@umamimart.life and we will send you Zoom info!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn June, we featured two \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\"\u003especial bottles of awamori\u003c\/a\u003e for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/sake-and-shochu-gumi\/products\/shochu-gumi\"\u003eShochu Gumi\u003c\/a\u003e (our quarterly shochu club), and we're excited to present this event with our friend Nick Korn, Boston-based spirits specialist and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/okinawa-awamori.or.jp\/awamori\/jinbner\/\"\u003eAwamori Jinbner\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eNick will take us through the history of awamori, and taste us through the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\"\u003eShochu Gumi bottles\u003c\/a\u003e, plus\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\"\u003eTaragawa Awamori\u003c\/a\u003e. Then he will make a cocktail with the Taragawa and Mizuho awamoris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis event is in conjunction with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-007-awamori-bazaar\"\u003eJune 2021 Shochu Gumi\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebottles.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/sake-and-shochu-gumi\/products\/shochu-gumi\"\u003eBecome a member today\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto receive these two awesome bottles of awamori and taste along with us during the event!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSo what is awamori? \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAwamori must be made with rice and black koji, using zen koji shikomi (100% koji for the moromi), then single distilled. Its method of aging is particularly special, with the result being called \u003cem\u003ekusu\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAt Umami Mart, we call awamori the grandmother of shochu. The history of awamori predates shochu, as the drink was created in the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern day Okinawa) in the 15th century with the discovery of distillation on the islands. Located in the farthest southern reaches of Japan in the East China Sea, the 160 islands of Ryukyu became Okinawa as an annex of Japan in the late 1800s. During WWII, all awamori was destroyed in the bloody Battle of Okinawa; since then, 47 distilleries today are keeping the tradition alive by making what is designated as Ryukyu Awamori.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT: \u003c\/strong\u003eAwamori Bazaar with Nick Korn\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAwamori Specialist Korn takes us through the history of awamori and demonstrates how to make cocktails using \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\"\u003eTaragawa Awamori\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHEN: \u003c\/strong\u003eWednesday, July 21, 5:30pm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHERE:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zoomworld\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADMISSION:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free entry for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/sake-and-shochu-gumi\"\u003eSake + Shochu Gumi\u003c\/a\u003e members and customers who purchase any \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\"\u003eawamori\u003c\/a\u003e (we recommend \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\"\u003eTaragawa Awamori\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003cbr\u003eWe'll email you with the Zoom info after you make the purchase! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere's what you need to do: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Purchase \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eany \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori\"\u003eawamori\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (w\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ee recommend \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/products\/taragawa-awamori-btl-25-oz\"\u003eTaragawa Awamori\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. RSVP to shochu@umamimart.life for Zoom info \u003cbr\u003e3. Line up your ingredients for the cocktail  \u003cbr\u003e4. We'll see you on Wednesday 7\/21 at 5:30pm!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhoto of Nick Korn \u003c\/em\u003e©Caitlin Cunningham, 2017\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umami Mart Events","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39435720523855,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/a375e5ae-3eca-b363-2f2b-d2aa8d10bdba.jpg?v=1624390049"},{"product_id":"chuko-yokka-koji-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Chuko Yokka Koji Awamori (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis awamori is made using a four-day koji propagation, rearing the magic microbes up to be lean, mean, flavor machines, imparting an almost explosive intensity of flavor to this awamori. This spirit is bright, floral, grassy, and everything in between. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpending no time in clay pots, Yokka Koji is bottled directly from the tank shortly after distillation. Awamori is famous for its aging process, and prized expressions often have spent years and years in clay pots to mellow out the character. Yokka Koji is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethat. Chuko Shuzo describes this awamori in terms of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eshinshu \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(new make); it's bottled much fresher than other expressions (only aged for about a year in stainless steel), so all of the boisterous and dynamic flavors resulting from the koji's long, four-day upbringing (about 2x the length of a typical propagation) and 22 day fermentation are bursting at the seams right after distillation. It practically jumps out of the bottle! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis awamori spreads across the palate like fireworks: soft florals of lavender and chamomile lead into a kaleidoscope of peach, banana, mango, and yogurt, with a note of frosted flakes and shaved coconut on the long finish. Earthy, complex, and relentless at the same time shimmering, fresh, and bright. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Chuko Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 43% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Atmospheric  \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: Stainless Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 oz (720 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chuko Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40080556589135,"sku":"05-500-0010","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/yokka-koji.jpg?v=1656546804"},{"product_id":"seifuku-ryukyu-awamori-jikabi-btl-720ml","title":"Seifuku Ryukyu Awamori \"Jikabi\" (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\"\u003eThis is a \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShochu Gumi selection! It was featured in J\u003ca title=\"Shochu Gumi June 2023 Zen Koji\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-015-zenkoji-june-2023\"\u003eune 2023 \"ZenKoji\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged in stainless steel for six months Seifuku is located on the picturesque island of Ishigaki, known for its beef and crystal waters for diving. There are several awamori makers on the island and Seifuku was founded here in 1949. Seifuku’s unique open-fire pot still, called jikabi, is handcrafted by chairman Norihito Kanna (the president's father). This open-fire pot is an ancient method of distilling awamori, and is said to create a better flavor profile for the drink that also ages well. Awamori to me is dessert in a glass. The rich mouthfeel with ripe banana and vanilla notes are so distinct to this Okinawan spirit – it’s the tropics in every sip. What is particular about awamori is that the ABV is quite high compared to shochu, so it really packs a punch with all the malty flavors of the rice and black koji. Great in cocktails or a hot cup of coffee bring a bottle of this to the next yakitori party and serve over lotsa ice and some soda with an orange garnish. I also love sipping on this with a big bowl of anchovy-filled olives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Seifuku Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 30% \/ Koji: Black \/ Distillation: Direct Fire Distillation \/ Yeast: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: N\/A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVessel: stainless steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 oz (720ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40582862176335,"sku":"05-500-0011","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/awamori-seifuku-jikabi.jpg?v=1723731243"},{"product_id":"helios-kura-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Helios Kosyu Kura Awamori (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHelios Distillery has more than 3,000 white oak barrels used exclusively for the Kura Awamori brand, and the \u003cem\u003egenshu\u003c\/em\u003e (undiluted distillate) rests in these for over three years before eventual dilution and bottling for the awamori you have before you today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGet enticing aromas of chocolate cake (the boxed kind) and powdered sugar, with notes of vanilla, bing cherry, and graham cracker on the palate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSnag this affordable and refreshing awamori today and promptly enjoy on the rocks or with soda in the sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Helios Distillery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% rice\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003ekoji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric (copper still)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrels: American white oak\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: over 3 years \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e24 fl oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Helios Distillery Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40597250179151,"sku":"05-500-0012","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/products\/koshu_kura.jpg?v=1681169884"},{"product_id":"shirayuri-inui-44-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Shirayuri Inui 44 Awamori (BTL 750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-004-the-tropics-september-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=99cefb73f\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" width=\"79\" height=\"155\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca title=\"Shochu Gumi No. 18 March 2024\" href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-018-march-2024?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=b8ce15405\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMarch 2024\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYu Ikehara\u003c\/span\u003e is making huge waves with the use of Inui – a black koji strain that was long lost after the war. Resurrecting it here in this bottle, the strain \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspergillus Luchuensis aka Inui\u003c\/span\u003e helps create an awamori that incorporates umami, acidity, and depth. It has won several international awards and \u003cspan\u003eis a bombshell of a drink. And dammit, how on earth does it taste like it’s been aging for years?!?? That, my friends, must be the magical, historic Inui mold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Earth, saline, lavender, licorice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cheddar, cioppino, burger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Drink:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sodawari (with club soda and ice).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIkehara Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moscow Mules, Espresso Martinis, and various coffee cocktails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRead Kayoko's visit to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/ikehara-shuzo-ishigaki\"\u003edistillery\u003c\/a\u003e in Okinawa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eIkehara Shuzo is a small Awamori distillery with only three employees. The red-tiled roof of the distillery stands in a quiet residential area in the center of Ishigaki Island, and since its establishment, the Awamori has been produced by three generations of the same family. By preserving the hand-crafted traditions of the old distillery and constantly refining techniques and taste, Ikehara Shuzo’s Shirayuri Awamori stands out as a unique and delicious spirit\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Ikehara Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% Thai Long Grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji: Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Atmospheric, Jikabi (Direct flame)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV: 44%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: stainless steel 1 week\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 oz (750ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41179050377295,"sku":"05-500-0014","price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shirayuri.jpg?v=1708735112"},{"product_id":"kuon-ryukyu-awamori-btl-375ml","title":"Kuon Ryukyu Awamori (BTL 375ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAged for 10 years by one of our favorite awamori makers on Miyakojima in Okinawa, sporting aromas of leather and mushrooms. Enjoy notes of lemon cookie and cereal. Drink over ice or as a highball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Taragawa Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% Indica Rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoji: Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABV: 35%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge:10 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 oz (375 ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Taragawa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41181879730255,"sku":"05-500-0015","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/kuon_awamori_web.jpg?v=1708639006"},{"product_id":"seifuku-vintage-awamori","title":"Seifuku Vintage Awamori","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-004-the-tropics-september-2020?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=99cefb73f\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"155\" width=\"79\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/shg_logo_480x480.jpg?v=1616864791\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a Shochu Gumi selection! It was featured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/shochu-gumi-n-021-kanpai-to-5-years-w-cocktails?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=6d74acb56\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eDecember 2024 Kanpai to 5 years with Cocktails!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe loved this Awamori when we tried it at Seifuku Distillery earlier this year and had this imported just for our shochu club! This bold Awamori is genshu (tank strength), so you are getting truly unadulterated, real deal flavors of aged Awamori. Taste the island!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eShoyu, clay, citrus pith, brown sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBeef Bourguignon, Taco Rice (see my recipe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/blogs\/main\/okinawan-taco-rice\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlithe \u0026amp; Bitter Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eby Griffin Dehne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 oz Seifuku Awamori\u003cbr\u003e1 oz Pear Juice\u003cbr\u003e0.25 oz Campari\u003cbr\u003e0.25 oz Lemon\u003cbr\u003e3 dashes Umami Mart Bitters\u003cbr\u003eIf more sweetness is desired, add 0.25 oz simple syrup\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, serve in a coupe.\u003cbr\u003eExpress lemon peel oil over top and garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBartender Pro Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Use awamori in place of tequila.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDistilled by Seifuku Shuzo in Okinawa, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV: 43% \/ Koji: Black \/ \u003cspan\u003eDistillation: Jikabi direct fire \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: 3 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 oz (720ml)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41717651210319,"sku":"05-500-0016","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/seifuku_vintage_sq_c2b9abcd-ffd2-40a9-948b-36ca4c168a03.jpg?v=1739554450"},{"product_id":"awamori-festival","title":"Awamori Festival","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe were lucky enough to visit Okinawa this past February – we toured awamori distilleries, explored local crafts and makers, and ate our way through the regional cuisine for five days! Situated in the very south of Japan on the Pacific, there are 160 islands that make up Okinawa, which is actually closer to Taiwan. We traveled to the main island as well as Ishigaki where we learned so much about the history and Okinawan culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a special evening celebrating Okinawa – we brought back many bottles of awamori (a distilled spirit made with rice and black koji) and fruit liqueurs and want to open them up! We'll have a tasting bar, a few island cocktails, and a plate of the local specialty Taco Rice by Casa de Kei! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLast but not least, Nick Korn, our good friend and awamori expert will be here from Boston to chat with us about awamori as well! Travel to the islands with us for one night only! Karii!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT:\u003c\/strong\u003e Awamori Festival w. Nick Korn + Casa de Kei\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFeaturing an Awamori Tasting Bar, Island-inspired Cocktails, and Taco Rice!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHEN: \u003c\/strong\u003eTuesday, August 20, 4-7pm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHERE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eUmami Mart Bar\u003cbr\u003e4027 Broadway, Oakland CA 94611\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e510-250-9559 \/ shop@umamimart.life\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADMISSION: \u003c\/strong\u003e$50\/ $45 members -\u003cem\u003e Buy your ticket now or at the door, which includes entry to the awamori tasting bar, 1 cocktail, and 1 plate of Taco Rice by Casa de Kei\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst come, first served. 21+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umami Mart Events","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42071395893327,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/082024_awa_fest.jpg?v=1723050637"},{"product_id":"zanpa-white-awamori-btl-720ml","title":"Zanpa White Awamori (BTL 720ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fruity awamori with the cutest aquatic-themed label! Enjoy notes of citrus peel with hints of baking spice. We love this lower ABV awamori for Margaritas or mixed with club soda. Karii!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLocated in Yomitan Village in the center of Okinawa Prefecture, Higa Shuzo’s headquarters and factory enjoy the fresh sea breeze and land that is rich in nature. In their commitment to quality, Higa Shuzo has obtained an FSSC 22000 certification, and they are committed to environmentally friendly initiatives such as the installation of a solar power system and recycling of manufacturing wastewater. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Higa Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 24% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Vacuum\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 3 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 fl oz (720 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Higa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42471906902095,"sku":"05-500-0017","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/zanpa.jpg?v=1742332914"},{"product_id":"zanpa-premium-awamori-35-btl720ml","title":"Zanpa Premium 35 Awamori (BTL720ml)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn aged Awamori from one of our new favorite distilleries! Made using 100% black koji we get notes of dried mangoes, kiwi, vanilla, and lemon frosting!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Empress chicken, Rafute (Okinawan braised pork belly), Vietnamese egg rolls\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService Style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Rocks, soda, cocktail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Okinawan Coffee, 3:1 Awamori to coffee, kokuto sugar to taste, add a dollop of cream on top!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled in Okinawa, Japan by Higa Shuzo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistilled from 100% indica rice koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABV 43% \/ Koji: Black (rice) \/ Distillation: Atmospheric\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged: 5yrs stainless\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25.4 fl oz (750 ml)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"4th St. Beverage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42473015377999,"sku":"05-500-0018","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0212\/1922\/files\/zampa_awamori_35.jpg?v=1764806239"}],"url":"https:\/\/umamimart.life\/collections\/awamori.oembed","provider":"Umami Mart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}