Awamori - The Drink of Life for Okinawan People
Awamori is a traditional alcoholic beverage indigenous to and unique to Okinawa. Its procedure has been handing down by using the traditional techniques. It is said that the Awamori has more than 500 years history and is the oldest distilled alcoholic beverage in Japan. It is made from the Thai rice and is not a direct product of brewing like Sake but of distillation like Shochu. Awamori is aged to improve its flavor and mellowness. Generally it’s just like wine, it gets better as it grows older. Another name for awamori used in Okinawa is “Shima-zake”(island sake) or shima for short.
History of Awamori
The roots of Awamori have a legend that in the beginning of 15th century the original Awamori was brought into Ryukyu Okoku(The Kingdom of Ryukyu) from Thailand. Since its introduction to Ryukyu Awamori was accomplished and became one of the most appreciated exportation for China and Mainland of Japan.
How to Enjoy Awamori
Awamori tastes slightly sweet and has a rich flavor. Awamori is typically 60-84 proof, although "export" brands (including brands shipped to mainland Japan) are increasingly 50 proof. Some brands of awamori are 120 proof and will catch fire. Thus it had been recognized as strong alcoholic beverage. The most popular way to drink awamori is with water and ice on one-to-one basis. So that, the content of alcohol becomes such as wine. When served in Izakaya and other restaurants in Okinawa, it will always be accompanied by a container of ice and a jug of water. Awamori can be also enjoyed straight, on the rocks and in cocktails. The taste of Awamori goes well with foods, especially with Okinawan traditional foods.
Variety of Awamori
There are many Awamori breweries and hundreds of Awamori brands in Okinawa. It seems very difficult for us to encounter one’s most favorite Awamori among hundreds of them but the journey till you find the best matching Awamori can be also enjoyable.
Each Awamori has its own characteristic taste, so it is better for you to tell your own
taste to a restaurant or liquor shop clerk to get the one you love. At some bars or restaurants there is a tasting chart of Awamori for your easy reference.
