The Nagahama Distillery, Japan's smallest whiskey distillery operated by Nagahama Roman Beer Co., Ltd. (located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture), has created a new liqueur that blends distilled spirits with distinct characteristics from two different regions - Okinawa and Nagahama. The INAZUMA series product "SHINZATO AMAHAGAN World Liqueur Okinawa & Shiga Blend" represents a miraculous blend of Nagahama Distillery's AMAHAGAN with Shinzato Shuzo, Okinawa's oldest brewery, and will be released in limited quantities starting January 20, 2026.
Based on AMAHAGAN aged in carefully selected bourbon and Mizunara oak barrels by the Nagahama Distillery, this liqueur blends Shinzato Shuzo's "Shinzato Whiskey," which underwent unique aging in Okinawa, with "Shinzato Awamori Liqueur," an awamori with a touch of added sugar, all in an exquisite balance.
The distinctive Shinzato Whiskey, nurtured in the warm southern climate, brings depth to the blend with its unique flavor profile. Furthermore, the addition of awamori liqueur with its rich aroma and sweetness characteristic of awamori creates a complex, multi-layered taste experience.
When poured into a glass, a sweet, smooth aroma reminiscent of vanilla spreads, with light spiciness from the Mizunara barrels as an accent. The mouthfeel is mellow, with pleasant sweetness that lingers long.
Experience the new horizon that Shinzato × AMAHAGAN has opened.
About Shinzato Shuzo
Founded in 1846 during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shinzato Shuzo is Okinawa's oldest existing awamori brewery. For over 170 years, while preserving the traditional techniques and spirit passed down from their predecessors, they have continued to produce awamori with rich flavors nurtured by Okinawa's climate and terroir. While cherishing tradition, they constantly pursue new challenges.
Beyond developing the "foam-free yeast" that significantly improved awamori productivity, they handle a wide range of products including whiskey utilizing awamori-making techniques and health-conscious moromi vinegar.
Product Details
Product name: SHINZATO AMAHAGAN World Liqueur Okinawa & Shiga Blend
Volume: 700ml
Category: Liqueur
Ingredients: Malt, grain, rice koji, reduced starch syrup
Alcohol: 47%
Suggested retail price: 7,500 yen + tax
Tasting Notes
Aroma: When poured into a glass, a sweet, soft aroma reminiscent of vanilla first spreads, with a smooth, syrup-like pleasant aroma that tickles the nose. Beneath that, woody nuances from the oak barrels and hints of ripe fruit can be detected.
Taste: Upon tasting, a rich sweetness first spreads, gradually revealing gentle spice notes like black pepper brought by the Mizunara barrel-aged whiskey. This exquisite balance of sweetness and spiciness brings depth and complexity to the flavor. Smooth with a clean finish, the pleasant sweetness lingers long. Finally, a woody and spicy aftertaste quietly fades away, inviting another sip.
