Awamori is een traditionele gedistilleerde alcoholische drank die uitsluitend afkomstig is van de eilandengroep Okinawa in het zuidwesten van Japan. Het wordt gemaakt van langkorrelige indica-rijst en ondergaat een uniek distillatieproces met behulp van zwarte koji-schimmel (Aspergillus awamori), waar de drank zijn naam aan ontleent. Het productieproces van Awamori gaat enkele eeuwen terug en is een belangrijk onderdeel geworden van de Okinawaanse cultuur.
Awamori staat bekend om zijn zachte en milde smaak en kan puur, met ijs of als basis voor cocktails worden genoten. Het heeft vaak een hoger alcoholpercentage in vergelijking met andere Japanse dranken zoals sake of shochu. De drank is niet alleen populair in Okinawa, maar ook in andere delen van Japan en internationaal.
Awamori
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Craft Bitter Citrus Bitters are defined by their characteristic bitterness, created through the infusion of alcohol with carefully selected herbs and spices. Just a few drops can transform a drink, elevating complexity and balance.
Drawing on the expertise gained from Awamori production and the development of craft gin, Mizuho Shuzo has pioneered a bitters-making method unique to Okinawa and rare in Japan. Local ingredients play a central role, including shikuwasa citrus and Okinawan herbs, combined with insights from bartenders and specialists to refine technique and flavour.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is recognised as the oldest surviving brewery in the Shuri Sanka districts. Deeply tied to the Ryukyu royal family, it continues to preserve the tradition of Awamori while developing new creations that connect heritage with innovation.
€
24
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Bitters are defined by their characteristic bitterness, created through the infusion of alcohol with carefully selected herbs and spices. Just a few drops can transform a drink, elevating complexity and balance.
Drawing on the expertise gained from Awamori production and the development of craft gin, Mizuho Shuzo has pioneered a bitters-making method unique to Okinawa and rare in Japan. Local ingredients play a central role, including shikuwasa citrus and Okinawan herbs, combined with insights from bartenders and specialists to refine technique and flavour.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is recognised as the oldest surviving brewery in the Shuri Sanka districts. Deeply tied to the Ryukyu royal family, it continues to preserve the tradition of Awamori while developing new creations that connect heritage with innovation.
€
24
.00
Yamakawa (Okinawa)
Sangosho Black Awamori is a rare Japanese spirit that appeals to wine and fine spirit enthusiasts alike. This vintage (1 year aged) Awamori opens with delicate floral notes, layered with ripe peach, mango and tropical fruit. On the palate, a gentle sweetness is balanced by warming spice nuances of ginger and cardamom, creating both depth and elegance. Matured in stainless steel, it retains remarkable freshness while offering richness and a clean, refreshing finish. Sangosho Black is the first Awamori ever to be officially labelled as a vintage in Okinawa – a milestone in Japanese spirits.
Crafted at the Yamakawa Distillery on Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost island, this unique Awamori reflects both heritage and innovation. Founded in 1946, Yamakawa set out to revive the tradition of Kūsū – Awamori aged for at least three years – and remains committed to authenticity. Using mineral-rich water from its own source, the distillery maximises flavour through careful distillation and minimal filtration. Recognised at the Kura Master 2021, Yamakawa has earned acclaim for producing Awamori of outstanding quality and character.
€
28
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Shima Urara is an Awamori spirit crafted from rice grown with great care in the fertile landscapes of Ishigaki Island. Introduced in 2019, it has already earned multiple international awards, reflecting both quality and innovation.
Its style is light, fruity and smooth, with a refreshing clarity. A subtle sweetness runs through the flavour, balanced by a crisp finish that makes it highly versatile. It can be enjoyed diluted with water, sparkling water, or as the base for cocktails, while at the table it pairs beautifully with food—especially fried dishes such as tempura.
The spirit is created by Yaesen Shuzo, a distillery rooted in the rich natural environment of Ishigaki. Since its founding, Yaesen has been closely connected with the island community, producing Awamori with sincerity and respect for tradition. The house is recognised for combining direct-fire distillation with long-term ageing in Western-style oak casks—an innovation in the Awamori world.
Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, the Yaesen distillery is both a producer and a destination. Shima Urara captures the freshness of Ishigaki’s nature and the craftsmanship of Yaesen, a spirit born from the island and cherished by its people.
€
28
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Mizuho Mild Awamori (25% ABV) has been awarded multiple silver medals at the Monde Selection international tasting competition. It presents a refreshing aroma, with a taste that is rich, mild, and full-bodied.
The Awamori is matured in Tenryugura, the largest underground storage tank in Okinawa Prefecture, and produced using the Shitsugi technique of blending, a method handed down at Mizuho since its founding. This process highlights depth and richness, balanced by a light sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest surviving brewery within the Shuri Sanka districts. Closely tied to the Ryukyu royal family, it continues to protect the heritage of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining rooted in the history and culture of Shuri.
€
28
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Chura Sansan Awamori is brewed with 5–15 strains of brown sugar yeast, isolated and developed by Professor Emeritus Nakata Kubo of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Junior College. Despite being a relatively new creation, it achieved first place in the Awamori category at the 2014 Autumn National Alcohol Competition, demonstrating its quality and robust flavour.
It is defined by a rich aroma, distinctive sweetness, and mellow character. Brewed with food pairing in mind, it carries a light aftertaste that complements its fuller notes. This Awamori can be enjoyed on the rocks, with water, or warmed, making it well suited for relaxed evenings and gatherings.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest existing brewery among the Shuri Sanka. Long tied to the Ryukyu royal family, the distillery continues to protect and preserve the tradition of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining firmly connected to Shuri’s cultural heritage.
€
28
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Yaesen Gold Oak Barrel Awamori is a distinctive Japanese spirit crafted on Ishigaki Island by the renowned Yaesen Shuzo. Directly distilled and matured in fine French white oak barrels, this Awamori reveals a clean oak aroma harmoniously balanced with the gentle sweetness and soft flavour typical of Awamori. Light on the palate yet layered, it is a carefully blended expression of spirits aged between 3 and 6 years, resulting in a refined, elegant finish.
For spirit enthusiasts, its profile will feel familiar — somewhere between young aged grain genever and bourbon — yet with a uniquely Okinawan soul.
Born from the lush nature of Ishigaki, Yaesen Shuzo has been a part of island life since its founding. Every drop is crafted with sincerity, uniting people over flavour and tradition. The distillery is celebrated for its pioneering approach: combining classic direct-fire distillation with long-term oak barrel ageing, a rare innovation in Awamori. This fusion of heritage and innovation has made Yaesen a benchmark in Okinawan craftsmanship.
Overlooking the sea from its hilltop home, Yaesen Shuzo is both a distillery and a cultural landmark. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base of refined cocktails, Yaesen Gold Oak Barrel Awamori offers an experience of elegance, warmth and connection — a spirit nurtured by the islanders and shared with the world.
€
32
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Mizuho Gold 3yrs Awamori is made from carefully selected aged Awamori (kusu) matured for more than three years, finished at 30% ABV. It releases a gentle sweetness on the nose, with aromas reminiscent of caramel and roasted nuts. On the palate, it shows a mellow character with balanced richness and umami, capturing the depth of long ageing.
It is best appreciated by sipping slowly, neat or on the rocks, to discover its layered expression.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest surviving brewery of the Shuri Sanka districts. Long associated with the Ryukyu royal family, it continues to protect the tradition of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining rooted in the culture and history of Shuri.
€
32
.00
Yamakawa (Okinawa)
Sakura Ichiban 3yrs Awamori is a refined Japanese spirit crafted by the renowned Yamakawa Distillery on Okinawa. Aged for three years, it reveals the elegant character of Kūsū (matured Awamori): a gentle fragrance, subtle sweetness and layered complexity that wine lovers will appreciate for its balance and finesse.
The name Sakura Ichiban pays tribute to the Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, the first cherry blossom celebration held annually in Japan. Just as the blossoms mark the start of spring, this Awamori embodies freshness, renewal and delicate beauty.
Founded in 1946, Yamakawa Distillery is dedicated to preserving the culture of Kūsū. Using its own source of mineral-rich water, Yamakawa ensures purity and terroir-driven character. Distillation methods focus on maximising flavour extraction with minimal filtration, creating spirits of authenticity and depth.
Sakura Ichiban 3yrs combines the elegance of fine aged wine with the craftsmanship of Okinawa’s oldest traditions – a must-discover for connoisseurs seeking distinctive Japanese Awamori.
€
32
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Kusu 3yrs Awamori is a carefully matured spirit from Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki Island. Distilled using black koji mould and the traditional direct-fire method handed down through generations, it is then aged for three years to develop depth and refinement.
The result is an Awamori with a dense, almost enigmatic aroma and a mellow, lingering taste that only comes from time and patience. This release was born from a new creative challenge at Yaesen and is available in 300ml, 720ml and 1800ml bottlings. Since its introduction, it has received multiple international awards, underlining its quality and craftsmanship.
Yaesen Shuzo is part of the fabric of Ishigaki, an island rich in nature and tradition. Every drop is made with sincerity, rooted in a philosophy that blends heritage with innovation. Known for pioneering the combination of direct-fire distillation and long-term ageing in Western oak casks, Yaesen continues to create Awamori that reflects both the island’s spirit and the evolving future of Japanese distilling.
From its hilltop distillery overlooking the sea, Yaesen shares Awamori that is cherished by the islanders and enjoyed well beyond Okinawa.
€
40
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Mizuho Mild 5yrs Awamori is crafted with black koji, which softens as it matures, allowing both aroma and flavour to evolve with time. Only carefully selected aged Awamori (kusu), each matured for more than five years, is used. It is finished at 25% ABV to highlight its approachable style.
The spirit carries the sweet fragrance typical of long-aged kusu, alongside a clean, mild profile with a gentle sweetness. It was developed with the intention of making the refined character of five-year aged Awamori accessible to more people. Enjoyed neat, over ice, or with meals, it reveals its full expression in different settings.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest existing brewery among the Shuri Sanka districts. With a legacy tied to the Ryukyu royal family, the distillery continues to safeguard the tradition of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining deeply rooted in Shuri’s history and culture.
€
40
.00
Yamakawa (Okinawa)
Sakura Ichiban 5yrs Awamori is a refined Japanese spirit from the historic Yamakawa Distillery in Okinawa. Aged for five years, it expresses the elegance of Kūsū (matured Awamori) with a delicate fragrance, gentle sweetness and layered complexity that wine lovers will appreciate for its balance and finesse.
On the nose, light floral and mellow Kūsū aromas set the tone. The palate reveals a soft sweetness and rich depth, developing into a more powerful taste when enjoyed neat. When diluted with water, the spirit becomes smoother while retaining its signature character. Clear and transparent, this Awamori also serves beautifully as a base for refined cocktails.
Named after the Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, the very first of Japan’s annual sakura celebrations, Sakura Ichiban embodies freshness, elegance and a deep sense of Okinawan tradition.
Founded in 1946, Yamakawa Distillery is dedicated to reviving and preserving the culture of Kūsū. Using mineral-rich spring water from its own source and careful distillation with minimal filtration, Yamakawa produces Awamori that reflects both craftsmanship and terroir.
Sakura Ichiban 5yrs combines the elegance of aged wine with the distinctive soul of Okinawa – a must-try for connoisseurs seeking authentic Japanese Awamori.
€
40
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Prisma Spanish Oak — Spanish-oak-aged Awamori with rounder texture, layered spice and gentle sweetness, while retaining the core Awamori character. Distilled alongside Prisma Zero, then matured in Spanish oak. Made by Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki. Serve neat in a tulip glass; perfect for side-by-side tasting with Prisma Zero.
Crafted by Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki Island, the set reflects the distillery’s philosophy of tradition and innovation. Direct-fire distillation, long established on the island, is combined with pioneering barrel ageing techniques. From its hilltop home overlooking the sea, Yaesen continues to create Awamori that carries the nature and culture of Ishigaki in every drop.
€
42
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Prisma — Tank-aged Awamori showing the spirit in its pure form: clean, powerful and umami-driven, without any oak influence. Distilled alongside Prisma and matured in tank to preserve raw depth and texture. Crafted by Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki, where direct firing meets careful maturation. Serve neat or over a large cube.
Crafted by Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki Island, the set reflects the distillery’s philosophy of tradition and innovation. Direct-fire distillation, long established on the island, is combined with pioneering barrel ageing techniques. From its hilltop home overlooking the sea, Yaesen continues to create Awamori that carries the nature and culture of Ishigaki in every drop.
€
42
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Forest of Coral 7yrs Awamori is defined by the richness of long ageing. From the glass rises a sweet aroma reminiscent of caramel, leading into a mellow, deep flavour with gentle sweetness. It can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its full character, then on the rocks or diluted with water according to preference.
Part of the proceeds from this product support marine conservation initiatives, including coral transplantation projects.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest surviving brewery within the Shuri Sanka districts. Closely tied to the Ryukyu royal family, the distillery continues to safeguard the tradition of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining firmly rooted in the history and culture of Shuri.
€
42
.00
Mizuho (Okinawa)
Royal Mizuho 5yrs Awamori is crafted with black koji, which softens with age, allowing both aroma and flavour to evolve. Only the finest aged Awamori (kusu) is carefully selected, each expression matured for more than five years, then blended in a unique ratio.
When poured into a glass, exposure to air releases a delicate fragrance, with sweet notes recalling caramel and roasted nuts. On the palate, a gentle sweetness unfolds, accompanied by a smooth, mellow richness that reflects the elegance of Awamori aged for over five years.
Founded in 1848 in Shuri during the reign of King Shō Tai, Mizuho Shuzo is the oldest surviving brewery in the Shuri Sanka districts. Its history has long been tied to the Ryukyu royal family, and today the distillery continues to preserve the heritage of Ryukyu Awamori while remaining firmly rooted in Shuri’s culture and tradition.
€
45
.00
Yamakawa (Okinawa)
Sangosho 10yrs Awamori is a rare aged Japanese spirit crafted by the historic Yamakawa Distillery in Okinawa. Matured for over a decade in stainless steel, it reveals a rich, sweet and mature bouquet that immediately stands out. On the palate, its fine oil content lends a silky, almost creamy texture, while long ageing brings depth, balance and refinement. Delicate layers of subtle sweetness unfold alongside cocoa-like bitterness, spreading elegantly across the mouth – a profile that wine lovers will recognise for its complexity and length.Founded in 1946, Yamakawa Distillery is dedicated to preserving the tradition of Kūsū – Awamori aged for at least three years. With its own source of mineral-rich spring water, the distillery ensures purity and character in every drop. Distillation is carefully managed to maximise flavour extraction while keeping filtration to a minimum, resulting in spirits that are both authentic and expressive of Okinawa’s unique terroir.
€
75
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
The Prisma Awamori Set presents two distinct expressions: Prisma and Zero Prisma. Both were distilled at the same time, but their ageing took place in different environments. Prisma matured in Spanish oak barrels, while Zero Prisma was stored in tanks.
Although they share the same origin and length of ageing, the character of each spirit diverges. Zero Prisma preserves the bold, unfiltered depth of Awamori, while Prisma reveals aromas and flavours shaped by oak, absent in its twin. This set invites a direct comparison, allowing the discovery of contrasts: what has remained in Zero Prisma but faded in Prisma, and what new qualities the cask has given to Prisma that cannot be found in Zero Prisma.
Crafted by Yaesen Shuzo on Ishigaki Island, the set reflects the distillery’s philosophy of tradition and innovation. Direct-fire distillation, long established on the island, is combined with pioneering barrel ageing techniques. From its hilltop home overlooking the sea, Yaesen continues to create Awamori that carries the nature and culture of Ishigaki in every drop.
€
80
.00
Yaesen (Okinawa)
Barrel Awamori is distilled over direct fire using Ishigaki’s traditional kiln method, then left to mature for years in oak barrels. Production is deliberately limited, reflecting the precision and time required for this method.
The spirit is known for its powerful oak-driven aroma and a depth of flavour often compared to whisky, yet it retains a brighter, more refreshing character that makes it distinctly Awamori. Enthusiasts prize it for the way cask and spirit harmonise into a bold, aromatic whole.
This expression represents the philosophy of Yaesen Shuzo: the union of inherited craftsmanship and pioneering innovation. By introducing long-term barrel ageing to Awamori, the distillery set a benchmark in the industry. The result is a spirit where oak and Awamori merge seamlessly, offering a refined balance of the five elemental tastes.
From its hilltop home overlooking the sea, Yaesen continues to craft Awamori rooted in Ishigaki’s nature and culture, cherished by islanders and admired far beyond Okinawa.
€
99
.00
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