Helios Distillery is a long-established awamori distillery that was founded in 1961. It’s been making many products with the belief that “alcoholic beverages should be made using local ingredients.” The distillery is located in Okinawa’s northern area called Yanbaru, which is known for its rich nature and beautiful water. A lot of Helios Distillery’s products are made with the spring water from the mountain that stands behind the distillery.

Helios Distillery’s best-known product is Kusu Kura, an awamori matured in oak barrels. There’s actually a free tour that allows you to see its manufacturing process! You’ll certainly have a fun time learning about lots of different topics, from the secret to Kusu Kura’s flavor to the history of awamori. After the tour, try free samples of many of their products, like awamori, rum, and plum wine. (Some are paid samples.) There are some non-alcoholic beverages (like moromi vinegar), too, for those who aren’t big fans of alcohol. Enjoy the products made with pride at Helios Distillery!

People usually have kusu with water or on the rock, but there’s recently been a surge in popularity drinking it as a highball. Kusu Kura is easy to drink for awamori beginners because it’s matured in barrels, just like whiskey. It’s even better with a slice of lemon or shikuwasa.

Kusu Kura makes a great souvenir because it doesn’t take much to enjoy it; get one for later and share the deliciousness with your family and friends. But do also have it during your trip—savor a blissful glass of Kusu Kura together with Okinawan food!