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Company name: Sakimoto
Distillery Corporation
Founded: 1927
Address: 362-1 Yonaguni, Yonagumi Tow, Yaeyama-gun
TEL:09808-7-2417
FAX:09808-7-2540 |
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The aroma typical of awamori
is a feature of the liquor produced in subtropical Yonaguni.
The distillery was founded in 1927 by 17 farmers on Yonaguni Island.
It was taken over in 1972 by the present owner, Hajime Sakimoto,
and is the oldest distillery on the island. Its brand, Yonaguni,
named after the island, is a liquor that is now indispensable to
the lives of the islanders.
Hajime Sakimoto is now elderly, but she continues to make awamori
herself. When letting the koji sit, she doesn't sleep around the
clock in order to adjust the room temperature, and she crumbles
the steamed rice into flakes very carefully by hand.
Sakimoto Distillery's distilled liquor is made with special attention
and care. It also produces 'hanazaki', which is an essential
part of ceremonial functions on the island. Hanazaki is a
spirit with an alcohol content of 60 degrees, made from the first
drops of distillate. It has a sweet, rich flavor. Ms. Sakimoto suggests
drinking the liquor after keeping it in a freezer for a while. Because
of the high alcohol content, the liquor does not freeze, but instead
thickens when cooled to low temperatures. The liquor, with unbelievable
sweetness and rich taste, goes well with salty snacks.
The owner says that the sweetness can be thoroughly tasted when
sipped carefully, because of the fine quality of the liquor. True
to her words, an increasing number of women have become fans. Especially
popular as a present is Hanaorizake-hanazaki wrapped
in Okinawan 'hanaori' fabric. Hanazaki is heavy, yet
gentle and very tasty, and it maintains all the attractive features
of awamori. Much to the delight of its fans, the distiller
will be coming out with a Hanazaki kusu in the near
future. |
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