Kujira Ryukyu Whisky

The Awamori/Shochu Spirit at the foundation of the Ryukyu line of Spirits with a smooth character and clean finish. The Kumesen Distillery — Kumesen Syuzo — was founded in Okinawa, Japan, in 1952. Their first product was Awamori — a Shochu beverage distilled from special Indica rice and served at 30-40% ABV. Then in 1989 they began to age their Awamori in oak casks, creating a rice-based Whiskey. The products are exceptionally popular in the Japanese islands and the rich flavors of their signature Spirits are building a global fan base. Kujira Ryukyu Whisky is the core, rice-based Whiskey that leads off the line-up. Although officially a "non-age statement" dram, the distillery declares that it has been aged in new, virgin white oak for more than three years. The warm, sub-tropical climate of the islands means that Whiskies mature faster. And since the casks are new, they easily deliver a ton of flavor to the party. Smartass Corner #1: Awamori — the base Spirit — gets its name from