#Japan #Okinawa #SG Group #AWAMORI DE LEQUIO #Okinawa Distillery

Introducing AWAMORI DE LEQUIO

A groundbreaking initiative in the world of spirits is on the horizon, with the launch of AWAMORI DE LEQUIO set for March 4, 2026. This product is the result of a collaboration between the esteemed SG Group, a company operating a variety of bars domestically and internationally, and two notable distilleries from Okinawa: Mizuhoshuzo and OneSpirit. AWAMORI DE LEQUIO aims to introduce Okinawa's traditional liquor, awamori, to a global audience, propelling it to the status of a global spirit.

From KOKUTO DE LEQUIO to AWAMORI DE LEQUIO

The journey began with the launch of KOKUTO DE LEQUIO, a product that showcased Okinawa's brown sugar in various forms. This series helped highlight the challenges faced by Okinawa’s agricultural industry and presented the richness of its ecosystems and culture to both local and international markets. Since its establishment, KOKUTO DE LEQUIO has introduced several innovative products, including a brown sugar-based liqueur and non-alcoholic brown sugar substitutes. Each addition was designed to offer a taste of Okinawa’s unique offerings to global bar scenes.

With AWAMORI DE LEQUIO, the creators aim to provide a more authentic representation of Okinawa's traditional drink—awamori itself—while paying homage to the culture and heritage that surrounds it. This release comes at a time when Okinawa’s rum and sugarcane products are gaining traction, and the awareness of local spirits is growing in the bar community worldwide.

The Vision: Making Awamori a Global Standard

The project has its roots in the challenges faced by Okinawa’s beverage industry. In 2022, upon opening El Lequio in Naha, there was an evident surplus of brown sugar, and awamori saw a decline in shipment for nearly two decades. This backdrop inspired a vision to combine brown sugar and awamori into an innovative liqueur, paving the way for vice versa—promoting awamori as a staple of global spirits.

For three years since the inception of the KOKUTO DE LEQUIO project, SG Group has utilized its expansive network within the global bar scene to connect the world’s creativity with Okinawa’s rich offerings, including awamori. The effort has not gone unnoticed; there is a growing interest among bartenders and professionals worldwide regarding this traditional Okinawan liquor.

A Unique Yeast Discovery

One of the standout features of AWAMORI DE LEQUIO is its use of a unique yeast strain known as Sakura Yeast, isolated by Akira Nakazato of Mizuhoshuzo. This particular yeast strain was discovered in 2015 from the cherry blossoms of Okinawa and has proven to have extraordinary fermentation capabilities. The use of this exceptional yeast elevates the awamori’s flavor profile, providing tropical and floral aromas reminiscent of bananas and white flowers, creating a unique blend that sets this product apart from typical commercial awamoris.

Mizuhoshuzo spent the previous ten years perfecting this yeast strains properties in crafting various products without releasing it as traditional awamori. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and innovation, cementing its status as a unique ingredient suitable for diverse applications, from cocktails to culinary delights.

Visual Identity of AWAMORI DE LEQUIO

The label of AWAMORI DE LEQUIO carries profound meaning. The central torii gate represents the entrance to the world of awamori, symbolizing a fusion of Okinawa’s cultural identity and the broader world. The pink hues of the label evoke the cherry blossoms, connecting to Okinawa’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, while the design also pays homage to the blending of South American and Okinawan cultures.

Tasting Notes and Recommendations

AWAMORI DE LEQUIO boasts a floral top note, followed by tropical fruit flavors reminiscent of bananas and strawberries, transitioning to a soft, sweet finish akin to mochi. The transparent body and light finish present a fresh departure from traditional heavy awamori, catering to both contemporary tastes and classic cocktail applications. Ideal for classic cocktails like Negronis or White Ladies, it also works beautifully with simple soda or jasmine tea.

Conclusion

With the introduction of AWAMORI DE LEQUIO, SG Group and its partners are raising expectations for what Okinawan spirits can offer on the world stage. By reintroducing awamori through this innovative lens, they hope to establish it as a global standard, while preserving the cultural significance and tradition that define it. More than just a spirit, AWAMORI DE LEQUIO represents a step toward a broader appreciation for Okinawa’s remarkable ingredients and heritage, seeking to captivate audiences worldwide.