HIGA SHUZO
Distillery: Higa Shuzo
Founded: 1948
Located in Yomitan Village in the center of Okinawa Prefecture, Higa Shuzo’s headquarters and factory enjoy the fresh sea breeze and land that is rich in nature. Their philosophy centers on "Smile Be Waves." Higa Shuzo wants Zanpa to put a smile on everyone's faces and spread smiles like the waves of Okinawa. Zanpa is ready to be a part of new and old meetings, conversations, and heartfelt moments. In their commitment to quality, Higa Shuzo has obtained an FSSC 22000 certification, and they are committed to environmentally friendly initiatives such as the installation of a solar power system and recycling of manufacturing wastewater. The distillery also offers a diverse product lineup to suit various occasions.
OKINAWA
PRODUCTS
Tasting Notes
Carefully nurtured and aged for 5 years, allowing it to develop a rich aroma and flavor that can only be achieved through the passage of time. A true masterpiece that offers deep and complex flavors that become more enjoyable with each sip. A warm nose of caramelized pineapple, nuts, mushroom, vanilla, and earth. Robust umami flavors of mushroom meet with candied buddha's hand, caramelized sugar, and beets. With a 35% ABV content, this kusu (aged awamori) can be cut with club soda and served with lemon or lime, but Higa Shuzo recommends trying this Zanpa Premium in a cocktail using Japanese flavors such as shiso, ginger, sansho pepper, or matcha.
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes, sweets such as dark and bitter chocolate, etc.
Awards:
Monde Selection - International High Quality Trophy 2020, Grand Gold Award 2020, Gold Award 2014-2019 (6 consecutive years)
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 2 Stars 2014-2020
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: 5 years
ABV: 35%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Zanpa Premium 30 is created by blending Zanpa's atmospherically distilled 5-year-old kusu (aged awamori) and their traditional young awamori distilled under reduced pressure. This 3:2 ratio blend highlights the unique aroma, richness, and distinct flavor that develops from the kusu’s 5 years of clay pot storage. The kusu imparts a creamy vanilla aroma with notes of wild rice, mushrooms, dried herbs, and burdock root, while the younger awamori contributes a refreshing and easy-to-drink balance, creating a smooth and enjoyable awamori experience. The color of this deep blue bottle is inspired by the skies and seas of Okinawa.
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes (fried or raw), cheese, smoked dishes, chocolate, desserts, etc.
Awards:
Monde Selection - Grand Gold Award 2019-2021, Gold Award 2011-2018 (8 consecutive years)
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 3 Stars 2011, 2012, 2014-2022
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Kusu - Atmospheric / Awamori - Vacuum
Aged: Kusu - 5 years / Awamori - 3 months minimum
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
This 24% ABV version of Zanpa White was developed for the U.S. market with a fresh new label and bottle to convey the charms of Okinawa. Awamori is typically filtered once after distillation, but for Zanpa White, a double filtration process is employed, resulting in clean and smooth flavor with a soft finish, which makes it very easy to drink. Notes of green banana, white florals, sweet orange peel, walnut, and baking spice on the nose. A more herbal component, similar to angelica root, emerges on the palate. Enjoy it straight, on the rocks or mixed with club soda. Zanpa White served with citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or Okinawan shequasar can create a lovely tropical escape.
Overview
Food Pairings: Fried foods, meat dishes, fish dishes, etc.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Vacuum
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 24%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Zanpa 1999 is a kusu (aged awamori) time capsule that carries an aroma reminiscent of caramel, vanilla, custard, cherry cordial, and toasted brown rice. When sipped, a delightful sweetness blooms on the palate, followed by puffed cereals and a lingering caramel finish with pleasant undertones of bitter, toasty notes. Every aspect of its aroma and flavor is meticulously balanced, a superb example of an unblended aged awamori.
As its availability is limited, Zanpa 1999 is not distributed to the general public. It is sold in limited quantities during special events a few times a year.
Overview
Food Pairings: Sweets, especially dark and bitter chocolates
Awards:
JAL New Japan Project (National Sake/Ryukyu Awamori Support Project) - 10 Years or Older Kusu Category GRAND PRIZE
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Atmospheric
Aged: Aged from 1999
ABV: 41%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Zanpa Black is one of Higa Shuzo's flagship products alongside Zanpa White. Zanpa Black has been loved by many generations and continues to be a popular, long-selling product. This awamori is known for its clean and sharp taste characterized by its refreshing aroma and finish created by vacuum distillation. Notes of ripe apple, black tea, flint, and cool melon rind on the nose. Gentle rounded mouthfeel with a plesant buidling bitterness accented by notes of turbinado sugar, cocoa powder, and grassy pandan and a lingering aftertaste of tropical fruit. Enjoy Zanpa Black mixed with carbonated beverages (3:7 ratio or 5:5 ratio) and a squeeze of fresh citrus like Okinawan shequwasar (シークヮーサー) for a delicious twist. For a rich yet refreshing mix, try Zanpa Black cut with sanpin tea (Okinawan jasmine oolong tea) or iced coffee. Versatile as an cocktail base and food pairings.
Overview
Food Pairings: Zanpa Black is delicious with a wide range of cuisines and is an excellent choice for food pairings. Okinawan cuisine, fried chicken, gyoza/dumplings, other strong or rich flavored foods.
Awards:
Monde Selection - Gold Award 2009-2020 (12 consecutive years), International High Quality Trophy 2020
International Taste Institute - Superior Taste Award 2 Stars in 2009-2012 and 2015-2020
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Vacuum
Aged: 3 months minimum
ABV: 30%
Size: 720ml
Tasting Notes
3-year-aged kusu and young awamori are carefully blended, resulting in a spirit with smooth and mellow flavor. Zanpa 43's blending and stainless steel tank aging creates a rich yet clean flavor that is an excellent base for a variety of cocktails. The character of Zanpa 43 shifts and changes depending on how you serve it and what it is mixed with. Intimately explore this awamori's personality neat in a grappa glass for a classic experience. Zanpa 43 carries aromas of fresh green apple, hazelnut, and delicate florals mixed with wintergreen. On the palate, there are elegant and rich notes of honey, caramel, nuts, dark milk chocolate, mixed with fruits and dewy floral. Deliciously balanced complexities of sweetness, savoriness, bitterness, and astringency on a plush velvety texture. Zanpa 43 won first place in the awamori category at the 23rd National Liquor Contest (Japan).
Overview
Food Pairings: Meat dishes, fish dishes, sweets such as dark and bitter chocolate, ice cream, etc.
Specifications
Type of Shochu: Awamori (blended)
Main Ingredient: Rice
Type of Koji: Black
Distillation Method: Kusu - Atmospheric / Awamori - Vacuum
Aged: Kusu - 3 years minimum / Awamori - N/A
ABV: 43%
Size: 720ml
Distillery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Click to View Files