Ryugu | Tomita Distillery
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Founded in 1921 near Naze Harbor in Amami Oshima, Tomita Distillery continues to preserve its historic wooden brewhouse. Their masterpiece, standing as an immovable monument in the history of authentic black sugar shochu, is "Ryugu" (30% ABV).
"Ryugu" is crafted using traditional large clay pots (O-kame) buried underground. Using premium black sugar from Okinawa and fermented with robust black koji, the mash is distilled in traditional atmospheric stills. Rejecting modern compromise, this artisanal spirit boasts deep roasted aromas, caramel richness, and a velvety texture that captivates connoisseurs worldwide.
[Product Specifications] Ryugu (30% ABV)
| Category | Authentic Shochu (Black Sugar Shochu) |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Black Sugar (Okinawa), Rice Koji (100% Kagoshima Round Rice) |
| ABV | 30% |
| Koji Type | Black Koji (Kuro-koji) |
| Fermentation | 100% Clay Pot (Kame) Fermentation |
| Distillation | Atmospheric Distillation |
| Distillery | Tomita Distillery Co., Ltd. (7-8 Naze Irifunecho, Amami, Kagoshima) |
| GI認証の有無 | 非指定(特許庁登録・地域団体商標「奄美黒糖焼酎」第5202680号による産地保護対象) |
| 黒糖格付け | 特等黒糖(徳之島産・奄美群島産) |
Taste Profile Analysis
An expert analysis of this shochu across 5 key dimensions: Aroma, Sweetness, Finish, Body, and Crispness. Use this profile to find your preferred drinking style and pairings.
Historic Tomita Distillery: The Pride of Naze since 1921
Tomita Distillery is a small, historic producer located near Naze Harbor. They retain their original wooden brewhouse, preserving legacy techniques. The pure groundwater from Amami's mountains serves as the mashing water, laying the foundation for Ryugu's robust, dry, and aromatic profile.
The rich mountain streams of Naze. This water source shapes the crisp, clean sweetness of Ryugu.
No Compromises: 100% Local Kagoshima Round Rice for Koji
Unlike many producers who use broken rice for efficiency, Tomita Distillery insists on using 100% high-quality Kagoshima round rice for making koji. This produces clean koji without off-flavors, serving as the essential foundation for Ryugu's deep and elegant richness.
Traditional underground "One-Koku Clay Pots" and Atmospheric Stills
The defining feature of Ryugu is its complete fermentation in traditional earthenware pots buried beneath the floor. This natural pottery promotes gentle convection and insulates the mash, extracting spicy nuances from the black koji and warm sweetness from the sugar.
Earthenware pots buried beneath the brewhouse floor, where rare, aged shochu rests quietly over decades.
Detailed Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Rich, roasted notes of almond, cocoa, and warm maple syrup. Sweet sugarcane notes emerge dynamically.
- Mouthfeel: Incredibly robust, oily, and full-bodied due to the 30% ABV, yet surprisingly smooth on the palate.
- Flavor: Deep black sugar caramel flavors mingle with spicy black koji notes and a dry, mineral-like salinity.
- Finish: A long, warming finish accented by toasted caramel and deep molasses.
The elegant product presentation of Ryugu by Tomita Distillery, reflecting a commitment to classic aesthetics.
Recommended Servings
- On the Rocks (Recommended): Served with large ice. As the ice melts, the intense aromas open up and transition into gentle sweetness.
- Oyuwari (Warm Water Mix): Mixed with warm water (6:4 ratio). The atmospheric distillation aromas of roasted sesame and dark chocolate burst forth.
Food Pairings
- Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly): The savory soy glaze and pork fat harmonize beautifully with Ryugu's caramel finish.
- Yakitori (Tare/Liver): The charcoal grill char matches the robust, stilled character of the shochu.
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Q. 「龍宮」はどこで造られていますか?
「龍宮」は蔵元「富田酒造場」が製造する奄美黒糖焼酎です。製造地や商品仕様は、蔵元の公式情報もあわせてご確認ください。
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