Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Chuko Yokka Koji Awamori

Product Story

Chuko Yokka Koji Awamori is made from Thai white rice and black koji like all Awamori. If you haven’t heard of Awamori do not be alarmed. There are fewer than 50 producers of Awamori in Okinawa and very little of this spirit makes it out of Japan. Awamori is thought to be the predecessor to Shochu. All the key ingredients are the same for all Awamori. The differences are created by the length of fermentation, the choice of the still, the strength of the spirit at bottling, and the time that the spirit is rested prior to bottling. The maturation for the Chuko Yokka Koji Awamori takes place entirely in stainless steel tanks for a period of six months. This comes after a 22-day fermentation and a single distillation in a pot-still. The resulting flavors are quite complex and bold in a restrained way.

Brand Story

Chuko was originally named Tomigusuku Distillery and founded by Chuko Oshiro in Tomigusuku city in 1949. In 1980, the company reorganized and changed its name to Chuko Distillery honoring its founder. In 1989, they invented a pottery suitable for Awamori maturation, which is called Chuko Original Kiln Fired Pottery. They are thoroughly steeping in the local culture while hoping to create a modern Awamori culture for Okinawa. Until very recently they have offered their products nearly exclusively in Okinawa but are now looking to share their great products with the world.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of sweet grains, green apple, jicama, tropical flowers, and pear, with dark caramel notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a powerful grain/rice-driven core redolent of young single-malt Whiskey with accents of pecan rolls and creme caramel. Full-bodied and charmingly complex with waves of fruit, grains, and spicy pastries. Made with a single-distillation to preserve the tremendous raw but refined flavors. $44.99 – 5 Stars/97 points/Supreme!

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature perhaps mildly diluted with water. This spirit can be chilled but we caution against excessive chilling as this will dull the subtle aromatics and flavors.

Price: $ 44.99

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