Two rums from Okinawa and two refreshing cocktails - that's the program for this summer's communication! The opportunity to tell you about the Iejima distillery, one of the few in Japan to produce rum from fresh cane juice.

Located in the Okinawa archipelago, to the west of the main island, Iejima covers 22km² and is characterized by its flat terrain, with an impressive hundred-meter rock, Mount Gusuku, standing out in its center.

Historically, this is a rather poor area, as the lack of water and exposure to the typhoon winds of this subtropical region have made rice cultivation difficult. But its climate is conducive to the cultivation of peanuts, tobacco and, above all, blue cane, which has been grown here since 1630.

As for the Iejima distillery, it was born from the ashes of a project abandoned by the giant Asahi, which initially consisted of using the local source of sugar cane to transform it into bioethanol.

Under the impetus of two friends and locals, Hisato Chinen and Makoto Asaka, what was to be a research and production center for new energies became a micro-distillery in the space of a few years. Technical assistance from Nikka (Asahi Group) was invaluable in the installation and development of distillation methods.
Iejima Distillery produces two rums, Santa Maria Crystal and Gold, plus a few aged versions with limited availability. The founders' aim is to fully express the freshness of this little blue cane for the distant taster, and to take the soul of Iejima beyond the island's borders. This is achieved by using the most natural methods possible, using only fresh cane juice, with no refrigeration of the fermentation tanks, and slow, manual cane pressing.


WHY SANTA MARIA ?
These rums have a surprising name for Japanese spirits: Santa Maria rums! A name given in homage to the lily flower naturally found on the island and discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. In Portugal, the lily is associated with the Virgin Mary and is known as the “Santa Maria” flower.TASTING
The unaged version, Santa Maria Crystal, is distinguished by ultra-fruity notes of fresh cane juice and exotic fruits. Powerful, clear and bewitching aromas. On the palate, supple, unctuous sensations of cane juice quickly evolve into more vegetal tones. It then becomes lively and taut. Santa Maria Gold is an amber rum aged for three years in American oak barrels containing Nikka whisky. The aromas are both fruity, with a predominance of apricot, grape and dried fruit, and woody and smoky, clearly evoking notes of young whisky. A surprising rum for the discerning taster.
To complete the picture, we highly recommend the special feature on Japanese rums in Rumporter magazine issue 28, Spring 2024. It features rums from Iejima and many others.


IN COCKTAILS
To discover the soul and aromas of Iejima while adding a Japanese touch to your cocktails, here are a few suggestions inspired by classics.

Frozen Daiquiri
Santa Maria Crystal rum, for example, goes perfectly with cocktails featuring lemon, lime and cane sugar, and the Frozen Daiquiri is the archetype !
Here's a summer version that includes watermelon as an ingredient : mix 1 diced watermelon wedge, 4 cl Santa Maria Crystal rum, 2 cl squeezed lime juice, 0.5 cl cane sugar syrup and a few crushed ice cubes in a blender. Blend on low speed for 5-10 seconds, then on high speed for 15-30 seconds. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a watermelon wedge.


Mai Tai
Santa Maria Gold offers a host of cocktail possibilities. This amber rum adds depth to a Mai Tai, for example, renowned for its fresh, exotic flavors.
In a shaker, stir 6 cl Santa Maria Gold, 2 cl Izumo Jidenshu sake, 1 cl cane sugar syrup, 3 cl lime juice and 1 cl orgeat syrup. Pour into a tulip-shaped glass filled with ice. Garnish with a candied cherry or orange slice.


We hope these suggestions have inspired you to take advantage of the long, warm summer evenings to discover these rums !