Premium, aged Okinawan liquor, Zanpa and Uminokuni Awamori, make their debut in Singapore

Introducing Zanpa and Uminokuni, premium Awamori produced by Higashuzo Co. Ltd and Okinawa Distillery Cooperative Association respectively, launching in March at established bars and restaurants across Singapore, including Waku Ghin and RPM by D.Bespoke, and available now for wholesale purchase. With the growing consumption and reputation of Japanese alcohol globally, Zanpa and Uminokuni mark their debut on Singapore’s shores as part of expansion efforts to bring the quintessential Okinawan liquor to a global audience.

Uniquely Okinawan production

Awamori is meticulously crafted by skilled Okinawan artisans, using a time-honoured, thorough distillation process that has remained unchanged for over 600 years to yield a wide range of nuanced flavours.

Zanpa Awamori is produced by Higashuzo Co. Ltd, a distillery founded in 1948 and committed to preserving traditional methods of Awamori production. Zanpa is renowned for its delicate sweetness and deep aroma, and is available in two ages.

• Zanpa (aged 12 years): A symphony of aromas, reminiscent of custard and caramel, gracefully interwoven with nuances of new grass, seagrass, and roasted cashew nut. Distilled to 43% ABV, the mellow and rich flavour co-exists with a delicate sweetness, and a bittersweet aftertaste that lingers.

• Zanpa (aged 24 years):  Aged to perfection and distilled to 41% ABV, this liquor emanates an initial scent of savoury caramel and roasted grains, evolving into sweeter aromas of custard and vanilla. The pleasantly sweet bouquet complements the mellow yet rich flavour, leaving a lingering, bittersweet aftertaste reminiscent of the indulgent notes of crème brûlée.

Uminokuni Awamori is produced by Okinawa Distillery Cooperative Association, a collective established in 1976. It represents 45 Awamori distilleries and was founded with the aim of protecting and promoting aged Awamori. Uminokuni is produced by mixing high quality, aged Awamori from different distilleries and is highly regarded for its well-bodied flavour. It is available in two ages:

• Uminokuni (aged 10 years): An award-winning Awamori celebrated for its elegant aroma and mature, sumptuous flavour. The inherent sweetness from long-grain Thai Indica rice is complemented by a touch of vanilla, which comes with ageing. At 43% ABV, this 10-year-old liquor possesses a luxurious, complex aromatic profile with subtle hints of sourness.

• Uminokuni (aged 24 years): Blended from specially selected batches of high-quality Awamori and aged over an extended period, every pour provides an exquisite sweetness and rich flavour with a smooth mouthfeel.At 43% ABV, this liquor embodies a sweet vanilla and caramel aroma.

Awamori is the only Japanese alcohol that continues to mature post-bottling, a rare quality in distilled beverages. Comparable to the intricate craftsmanship of high-quality whisky and the ageing process of fine wines, the layers of flavour and complexity of Awamori deepen over time. Each bottle appreciates in value as it ages, becoming a living testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication embedded in its production.

A premium drink deeply rooted in Okinawan history and culture

A testament to Okinawa’s rich cultural heritage, Awamori is the oldest distilled liquor in Japan.

Much like Singapore, Okinawa’s trading history as a strategic port, gave rise to the unique production method of Awamori. The technology of distillation entered Okinawa from Thailand. Unlike other Japanese liquor, Awamori is made with fragrant long-grain Thai Indica rice that is inoculated with a black koji mold. This technique for making Awamori is said to have remained unchanged for over 600 years.

Both Zanpa and Uminokumi are recognised as Ryukyu Awamori, undergoing the elaborate process of ageing and bottling in Okinawa before being exported globally. Only Awamori produced in Okinawa prefecture earn the status of Ryukyu Awamori, which is protected by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), similar to the protected status of Champagne and Cognac.

“We are proud to bring Awamori to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where consumers have an adventurous palate and enjoy myriad flavours. While Okinawa is recognised as a renowned destination for its picturesque landscapes and cultural offerings, it is not as widely recognised for its cuisine. We aim to introduce Singaporeans to the authentic flavours of Okinawa through Awamori, which reflects our island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Join us in experiencing the warmth and depth of Okinawa’s history in every sip,” said Heat Ikehara, Director of Okinawa Prefectural Government Singapore Representative Office.

Uminokuni (aged 10 years) and Zanpa (aged 12 years) retail for $165.00 per bottle, while Uminokuni (aged 24 years) and Zanpa (aged 24 years) retail for $380.00 per bottle.

For more information on Zanpa and Uminokumi Awamori, please refer to the website here.