Thirsty Thursday - Oka Brand Japanese Spirits

OKA BRAND YUZU VODKA 35% ABV

$25 per bottle

On sale for $20 per bottle

The base of Oka Yuzu Vodka is the same 5 times distilled spirit used in the classic Oka Vodka, that is then distilled with locally harvested yuzu. This step yields a delicate yuzu flavor that is noticeable, but the aromatics are subtle. The second step of maceration hits the flavor home, steeping fresh yuzu peels in the vodka for one week. Uncommon for flavored vodka, this second step adds an intensity of flavor that truly captures the essence of this beautiful citrus. A gentle yellow hue is naturally imparted into the vodka and adds a pleasant bitterness throughout the spirit.

OKA BRAND GIN 43% ABV

$25 per bottle

On sale for $20 per bottle

Known as shoga in Japan, ginger is a common element in Japanese cuisine. It is well known in the West as the ubiquitous pickled palate cleanser between bites of sushi. Oka Gin uses ginger to similar effect, adding a spicy, bitter-sweet clarity to the gin. Oka gin is antithetical to most Japanese gins. Instead of skewing to its delicate and floral contemporaries, Oka gin is balanced and robust with a rich body any gin lover will appreciate. Wonderful in your favorite highball, or negroni riff, this gin absolutely crushes when paired with bright citrus and will grab the attention of even the staunchest juniper loving purist.

Oka yuzu liqueur 24% ABV

$35 per bottle

On sale for $30 per bottle

Yuzu is undoubtedly Japan's most beloved aromatic citrus fruit and Oka Brand Yuzu Liqueur is Japan's most perfect reflection of this expressive fruit in a bottle. Starting as a neutral rice spirit that's had an overnight fresh yuzu peel maceration, the foundational "yuzu spirit" is then distilled via pot still creating a base spirit with deep notes akin to lemon, lime & grapefruit. An additional 3+ week maceration of fresh yuzu peel brings brightness with a final addition of Hokkaido sugar beet sugar adding a soft sweetness & delicate lush texture.

Oka japanese bermutto 18% ABV

Oka sweet japanese bermutto 18% ABV

$35 per bottle

On sale for $30 per bottle

There is a long history of adding herbs and flavoring to sake in Japan, the same way aromatized wines like vermouth came into being in Europe. They believed that herbs and spices blended with alcohol were curative and, for more pragmatic reasons, often served to make the wine or sake taste better.

Cocktails

50/50

• 1.5 oz Oka Rice Gin

• 1.5 oz Ola Bermutto

• 2 dashes orange bitters

Combine first all ingredients with ice, stir well, and serve in an ‘up’ glass

Flesh Wound

• 2 ounces Oka Sweet Bermutto

• 1 ounce Iwai 45 Japanese whisky 

• 1 ounce blood orange puree

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine first all ingredients with ice, shake well, and serve in an ‘up’ glass