Region: Japan

History: Founded in 1952, Kumesen Syuzo began distilling Awamori an indigenous distilled alcoholic beverage made with Indica rice, a strain unique to the Okinawa islands (Ryuku islands) of Japan. Around 1989, this innovative distillery began aging Awamori in oak barrels, creating a unique category of ji-whisky, in a league of its own, resulting in the name Ryukyu Whisky. After 20 years maturing in bourbon casks, this single grain rice whisky has a wonderful taste profile with a distinctive flavor, refreshing choice for adventurous spirits lovers.

Tasting Notes:

The 15yr old Whiskey features flavors mirroring pure malt but intensified. Explosions of tropical fruit, especially pineapple, from the start, then gentle oak from the 15 years spent in ex-bourbon casks, and a finish of smoothness with little to no burn.