Our Okinawase series is now close to the end and today we introduce an Awamori distillery in Naha, which is accessible easily by public transportation.
First we will review what is Awamori(泡盛). It is local distilled alcohol drink uniquely exists In Okinawa. Awamori has been produced for over 600 years in the south islands since it was introduced from Thailand as the result of trading business between Rykyu Kingdom(current Okinawa) and South East Asian countries. The way to produce Awamori has not been changed since that time. Imported Thai rice is fermented with black east and distilled.
As Japanese distilled alcohol, Shochu (焼酎) from Kyushu region may be better known. Shochu, which is produced from Japanese rice, wheat or potato, is the one evolved from Awamori, after it was introduced to the region.
Well, among 48 Awamori producers in Okinawa, the distillery we visited is called “Mizuho Shuzou”(瑞穂酒造). It is found in 1848 with over 160 years history and is the oldest distillery among 3 in Shuri (首里) Castel area. Mizuho shuzou welcomes tourists to visit its storage room located just a few minutes from a monorail station. (advance reservation required) It is also 2 stops from Shuri castel area.
Mizuho shuzou is just a few minutes walk
from Shiritsu Byoinmae （市立病院前） monorail station.
The sign says “Kusu (vintage Awamori)” is a treasure of Okinawa.
When we arrived in front of the distillery Tenryu-kura
(if we translate the name of storage “Dragon in the sky”),
it smelled awamori alcohol.
A staff welcomed us and explained about Awamori and Mizuho distillery, then introduced Tenryu storage.
Thousands of earthen pots occupies the storage on the ground floor, while 640,000L Awamori stays in several tanks on underground where the temperature can be kept consistent level even in the night and day, in winter and summer.
It means we stand out over Awamori. We could see that is true as the staff opened a cover on the floor and showed us inside of the tank.
Wow, it’s a pool of Awamor!!
Wanna swim here?!! Or drink directly?!
No, no we could not be too exciting and had to be calm down.
After all displayed and the underground tank were introduced,
we could have tasting opportunity.
Many bottles and small cups are on the table and we were told
“Help yourself as much as you want”.
Wow again,
exciting moment to try many different Awamori and other alcoholby Mizuho Shuzou.
What we should try is especially the ones called "Kuusu"(古酒), Awamori which is 3 years or older. Some have been kept long years, over 10 years (like this photo). It contains higher degree of alcohol and rich in taste and floavor, like vintage wine.
We have to be careful not to drink too much and have to keep our brain enough clear and available to function so that we can go back to our hotel by monorail.
Another good news abour Awamori is its advantage to good health. Awamori contains a certain type of enzyme that can disolve bloog clot much more than red wine and other alcohol. It's a good reason to take the local alcohol everyday little by little!!
Visiting distillery is free and available only on weekday. Advance reservation is required.
Spot name : Mizuho Shuzo (瑞穂酒造)
Address: 4-5-16 Shuri Sueyoshi-cho, Naha city, Okinawa
Official homepage (in Japanese): http://www.mizuhoshuzo.co.jp
