Brand: Seamen “Fisherman Collection” Awamori (海人（うみんちゅ）)
Distillery: Higa Shuzo Distillery Co., Ltd.
Location: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Grain: 100% Aged Thai (Indica) Rice
Koji: Okinawa black
Alcohol: 25% (50 proof)
Price: $$$
Tasting Notes
Don’t let the campy bottle art fool you. This is a very nice, easy to drink, and richly flavorful Awamori. The bottle is one of three different labels we were able to find for this shochu in the “Fisherman’s Collection”… makes you wonder if the point is for fishermen to take this bottle on the boat so they can identify their catch.
It starts off unexpectedly with an earthy melon nose. Earthy melon from a style of shochu that usually has a scent a few doors down from a traditional Chinese medicine shop. The first taste is sweetness – a honeyed mouthfeel. Not sticky exactly, but sweet and tacky. The sweetness remains before dissipating into a spiced herbal finish. It’s a really interesting example of the variety since I’ve come to expect Awamori to be richly herbal, aromatic. Sweet is rarely a word that enters the discussion.
Normally I avoid oyuwari (hot water) with Awamori, but with this example it was pleasant enough if you’re in the mood for something warm.
The Verdict: Worth Drinking
Unfortunately, this Awamori is not available in the U.S. We picked up this bottle in a liquor store in Kaohsiung, a city of 2.9 people in southern Taiwan. If you happen to see it somewhere overseas – the label is pretty memorable – it’s probably worth a try if you’re exploring Awamori. I found it a pleasant example of this style of shochu. While many Awamori can be harsh and herbal, fit only for those who enjoy that type of spirit, this is much easier drinker. I shared this bottle with friends who are usually solid mugi drinkers (if they don’t stick with beer at izakayas) and they found this palatable even compared to some imos.
Kampai!
