Is there an awamori distillery/factory/etc in Okinawa that does tours or allows visitors, with tasting/samples?
Here in Okinawa there is a local spirit called 泡盛 awamori.
It is completely distinct from sake (and from shochu). It's only made on the islands of Okinawa, and there are very many kinds for sale.
So far the locals I have asked don't know whether there's an awamori manufacturer that tourists can visit.
I don't mind where it is, as long as it's on the main island of Okinawa. I do want a place that offers samples or tastings and doesn't mind that you're not buying. I'm not expecting them to get me drunk (-; I'd prefer a place that's used to lots of tourists I think, where I wouldn't have to arrange something in advance and where I wouldn't be putting the out by asking for special favours.
Oh and I don't really want a paid tour with an outside company, just us going to the factory on our own but we don't mind if other tourists are there too. Something like "cellar doors" in wine-growing areas or like in tequila/mezcal making areas of Mexico ...
Best Answer
There seems to be at least a couple!
Chuko Awamori in Tomigusuku apparently has free tours.
It's about a twenty minute drive from the airport. I'm not sure if they offer free tasting as the webpage mentions prices for buying awamori, but this doesn't mean there's not also free sipping.
Apparently this is the only company that makes its own earthenware awamori storage jars, which are used for aging.
The company also has its own page about their tours, but it seems to only be in Japanese.
Another seems to be Zuisen in Shuri, not far from the main UNESCO castle in Okinawa. From their website:
Tours of Zuisen Distillery (every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 16:30)
The distillery is an approximately 10-minute walk from Shurijo Castle as well as from Yui-rail Shuri Station.
Feel free to visit us while sightseeing or wandering around the area.
*Reservations are necessary for groups of 10 or more.
I cannot find a central/unified site listing all distilleries, but there are a few pages listing one or two:
- OkinawaIndex.com lists Zuisen and Sakumoto, the latter only by reservation.
- OkinawaStory.jp lists Zuisen, Kamimura, Mizuho, and Chuko.
Pictures about "Is there an awamori distillery/factory/etc in Okinawa that does tours or allows visitors, with tasting/samples?"
What is Awamori served in?
Given the rather strong alcoholic content, Awamori is always served with a drinking set that comprises a bucket of ice and a jug of water so you can mix the spirit to your liking with water, ice or both.Where is Awamori made?
"Awamori," made from rice and black koji (rice malt) mold, is a distilled spirit produced in the islands of Okinawa.Is Awamori distilled?
Awamori is the oldest distilled alcoholic drink in Japan, and is believed to be the predecessor of shochu (another distilled Japanese spirit).Is Awamori an alcoholic?
Awamori is an alcoholic drink which is also known as shimazakae, or island sake. It dates back hundreds of years, not quite as old as sake which is at least 1300 years old, but not soon after the start of agriculture in Okinawa.Awamori Distillery Tours
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