Appreciating The World Of Japanese Rum (Japan Distilled Podcast Review)

With each passing year, rum is becoming more popular, with different countries leaving their own mark on the category and infusing unique characteristics. Japan is also getting in on the rum boom and several brands have popped up to champion the Land of The Rising Sun.

But what exactly is Japanese rum and how does it stand out from rum produced in other parts of the world? This question is answered in Japan Distilled, a podcast dedicated to the exploration of spirits in Japan.

Cor Cor Red Rum Review: A Tropical Delight That Showcases The Spirit Of Okinawa

Japan holds a long tradition of producing high-quality drinks, with the people having a knack for putting their own spin on an established technique and perfecting it. This was the case for whisky and it’s happening with rum as well. Japanese rum is gradually becoming its own distinctive category, with the likes of Nine Leaves and Iejima leading the charge. 

Another distillery that’s making waves is the Grace Distillery, personified by the Cor Cor brand. I’d turned it into a mission to get my hands on at least one of the bottles and I was successful with the purchase of Cor Cor Red. Let’s examine what makes this rum stand out.

Rum Haiku 33

Aged for five years
Liquid as gold as the sun
Okinawa born

Rum Haiku 31

Touch of the unknown
Distilled with Japanese care
Bonin Islands rum

Rum Haiku 27

Summer in a glass
Essence of Okinawa
Herbal paradise

Rum Haiku 26

Autumnal drinking
spirit of the samurai
reborn in rum form

A Tale Of Two Spirits: Kokuto Shochu Vs Rum

When it comes to diverse spirits, rum deserves to be at the forefront of the conversation. The range of flavour profiles is incredible and this diversity can provide a gateway into spirits that have similar qualities but are unique in their own right. An example of this is kokuto shochu, a Japanese spirit that’s perfect for rum lovers.

Nine Leaves Angel’s Half French Cask Review: The Ultimate Umami Rum

Discovering drinks from different parts of the world has helped to broaden my horizons and give insight into new cultures, particularly when it comes to Japanese drinks like sake and shochu.

This appreciation for Japan’s indigenous tipple has made me curious about the Land of the Rising’s Sun’s treatment of Western spirits and there’s been plenty of praise given to Japanese whisky. A category that’s gaining in momentum is Japanese rum and I was excited to get my hands on a sample from Nine Leaves, arguably the most well-known Japanese rum brand.

The Nine Leaves Angel’s Half French Oak Cask is a force to be reckoned with. Here’s why.

4 Awesome Types Of Japanese Rum To Try In Your Lifetime

Japan is known for producing some of the most unique alcoholic drinks in the world. There’s a growing interest in nihonshu, shochu and awamori from a western audience, but that hasn’t stopped the Land of the Rising Sun from exploring western categories. This is evident in the rise of Japanese rum, with many sake breweries trying their hand at making the spirit.

The world of Japanese rum is one of experimentation and innovation. Here are four brands that are worth knowing about so you can add them to your bottle collection.

Rum Haiku 17

The Wolverine drinks
honour Japan’s spirit
with a glass of rum