BOTH rum and Asian drinks are tipped for increased popularity in 2024, so independent import, distribution and marketing company Love Drinks thinks it is onto a winner with Japanese-made Kiyomi Rum.
The 40% abv white rum is produced by the Helios Distillery, which was set up by Tadashi Matsuda in Okinawa in 1961, when its initial production was primarily to meet strong demand from American military personnel stationed on the island at the time.
As the most southerly region of Japan, Okinawa’s subtropical climate is home to distinctive sugar cane, grown in mineral-rich soil, and the Matsuda family produces the Kiyomi white rum using only sugar cane molasses, which undergoes a long fermentation of 30 days before distilling in a copper pot still.
The result is a white rum which is said to offer ‘an unparalleled aromatic explosion’ with notes of truffle, banana flambe and other tropical fruits.
Love Drinks are specialists in the Japanese drink arena, distributing the Kurayoshi whisky brand, Etsu Gin, the ‘La’ liqueur trio, Samurai Sake and Honkaku Shochu – Kohaku No Madoromi.
The company already offers several rums sourced from craft-distilled and family-owned brands around the world.
Managing director Samantha Burke said: “Our selection of golden and dark rums has continued to claw in new consumers and with the buzz for Asian drinks increasing, we’re excited to welcome this high-class white rum to our portfolio. The Kiyomi brand is steeped in heritage, offers real provenance and oozes quality.”
