Awamori Okinawan Rice Spirit

Awamori is an alcoholic beverage produced in the southern islands of Okinawa. Although made from rice, it differs from sake in that it is distilled not brewed, and uses Thai Indica rice rather than short-grained Japonica rice. The method for distilling Awamori was first introduced to Okinawa from Thailand in the 15th century, and was refined using a unique white koji mould indigenous to Okinawa. Awamori is an extremely robust drink, and can be 60% proof, with its alcohol content rising further as it ages.