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Koichiro TOYAMA / 遠山光一郎 国際唎酒師、International SAKE Sommelier

Born and grown up in Okinawa. At 24, departured to Asian countries.
Master of South East Asian studies at National University of Singapore.
Promoted Okinawa inbound travel & products in South East Asia counties as Rep of Okinawa government in Vienam & Singapore for 7 years. Currently , working as Asian Business Consultant based in Singapore.
２４歳で、生まれ故郷の沖縄を離れアジアへ。シンガポール国立大学東南アジア修士課程卒。沖縄県委託駐在員としてベトナムとシンガポールで観光誘客及び物産プロモーションに７年間関わる。現在、在シンガポールでアジアコンサルタントとして活動中。
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Awamori 3 brands tasting Haisai (“hello” in Okinawan), I am Koichiro Toyama and I am Uchinanchu (“Okinawan”). Welcome back to MzeeBarTraineeKoichiro. If you think of Japanese alcohol drink, the first thing that comes to mind is Sake or Shochu, isn’t it? Today, I will introduce 3 brands of Awamori. Awamori is a unique alcoholic beverage from paradise island of Okinawa. And aged old Awamori which is at least more than 3 years called KOSHU in Japanese or KU-SU in Okinawan word. The technique of distilling reached Okinawa from Thailand , formerly known as Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, a time when Okinawa called “Ryukyu Kingdom“ and served as a major trading intermediary between Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Awamori is not a direct product of brewing like sake but of distillation like shōchū. Although Awamori is a distilled rice liquor, it differs from shochu in several ways.  For example, Awamori uses Indica rice which imported from Thailand.  But Sake and Shochu use Japonica rice. The most popular way to drink Awamori is with water and ice.  Awamori can also be drunk straight, on the rocks and in cocktails. I would like to try on the rock for today’s tasting. 1. First to introduce is Kikunotsuyu VIP standard, 30% alcohol, KOSHU (aged Awamori) from Kikunotsuyu distillery (shuzo ). Kikunotsuyu shuzo was established in 1928 in the beautiful Miyako island. Kikunotsuyu is a familiar brand for me. I used to drink “Kikunotsuyu brown” often when I was in Okinawa during my younger days. V.I.P standard is upper grade and I am so excited. ====Kari- (“Cheers” in Okinawan).. The aroma stands out more than the ordinary Awamori. It has a well-balanced taste. This is VIP standard but there are VIP gold as well. I should try the gold for the next time. 2. Second to introduce is Zuisen Koshu (aged), 40% alcohol from Zuisen Shuzo. Zuisen Shuzo has been producing Awamori since 1887 at Shuri where the Capital of Ryukyu kingdom was. Zuisen is one of the authentic Awamori Koshu. ====Kari- (“Cheers”) .. Deep richness and aroma due to its unique blend. Its taste is high quality and mellow and it is recommended for those who like authentic aged Awamori Koshu. 3. Third to present is Yoka Koji , 43% alcohol, new sake from Chuko Shuzo which is located in Tomigusuku city, next to Naha city and established in 1949. Yoka Koji is considered a premium Awamori which uses special method and requires a much longer period of production. ====Kari- (“Cheers”) .. It has a fruity, smooth sweetness and gorgeous scent like a pear. Since it has high alcohol % of 43%, it is also recommended as a base for cocktails. I also love the design of label and the shape of bottle which is quite stylish. All Awamori has its own originality and unique character. Why don’t you taste it to find out more? ================ Now, I would like to introduce one of easier way to enjoy Awamori. If you are not sure about drinking strong Awamori, you may try adding milk. Cold milk help soften the alcoholic taste. Some of my Okinawan friends like to add milk which is also believed to prevent hangover. Actually, this is first time for me to try…… Kari- ---Uhhh… Yes, not bad, not bad at all. I quite like it. Milk really soften the taste and make it creamy, easy to drink. But at same time you may need to be very careful for overdrinking! ========= In the recent years, sad to mention though, Awamori is facing declining sales in the home market, Okinawa. Therefore, many Awamori makers are trying to introduce Awamori to overseas markets. So I hope that you can try and enjoy Awamori! Hope all of you have enjoyed today’s video. Thank you very much. itsupe - Nife-de-biru (“Thank you very much” in Okinawan)!

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