Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

Today, while grocery shopping, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the whisky section. It’s a habit of mine—my love for whisky runs deep. However, I’m a social drinker, preferring to enjoy a glass only in good company on special occasions. Because I drink only occasionally, I’m willing to invest in high-quality single malt whiskies when the opportunity arises.

During my exploration today, I stumbled upon something intriguing: Okinawa Island Blue Rice Whisky. Naturally, I did a little digging.

Okinawa Island Blue is a rice-based whisky crafted by Kumesen Shuzo, a distillery situated in Okinawa, Japan. This exceptional spirit utilizes traditional Awamori production techniques, with rice as its primary ingredient, then ages the distillate in bourbon barrels. This unique process results in a whisky that beautifully melds the sweetness of rice with the rich flavors imparted by oak maturation.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Fresh lychee and tropical fruits lead to an aromatic palate with a pleasant bite. It’s elegant, sweetly perfumed, and hints at apples and herbal notes.
• Palate: Smooth across the palate, this whisky showcases a robust character that highlights the best of Awamori. The sweetness of the rice melds perfectly with the aromatic qualities from the bourbon barrels.

Reviews and Ratings:

• Whiskybase: An average rating of 84.50 points, based on three user reviews, reflects its growing popularity.
• International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC): Awarded a Silver medal in 2024, the IWSC praised its fresh lychee and tropical aromas, elegant and sweetly perfumed palate, and a finish reminiscent of dry oolong tea with floral notes and lingering fudge accents.
• Amazon Japan: With an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, 66% of reviewers awarded it 5 stars, commending its fruity aroma and smooth taste.

Overall, Okinawa Island Blue Rice Whisky has received positive feedback for its unique flavor profile, blending traditional Japanese distillation methods with whisky aging techniques. If you’re keen to explore a distinctive expression of Japanese whisky, this could be a compelling choice.

Unfortunately, my wife Hiromi doesn’t drink whisky, which means I lack a whisky buddy to share the experience with. However, I look forward to trying the Okinawa Island Blue Rice Whisky when the right social occasion arises!

#WhiskyLovers #JapaneseWhisky #OkinawaWhisky #WhiskyTasting #DrinkResponsibly