Distillery
Helios
Helios (Helios Shuzo) is a Japanese producer based in Nago, Okinawa, active in the production of awamori, rum, whisky and various liqueurs and craft beers. It is known for labels such as Reki (whisky) and for the Kura lines of awamori, in addition to releases of single malts and barrel-matured bottlings.
- Nago · Okinawa Prefecture · Japan
- Since 1961
The story
The company, known as Helios Shuzo (Helios Distillery), operates in Okinawa and company references indicate production activities dating back to the mid-20th century; the firm is mentioned as founded in 1961 and has over time developed rum, awamori and beer production and, more recently, whisky with releases such as the Kyoda single malt (bottling 2020) and the Reki labels.
Production philosophy
Production rooted in Okinawa with an emphasis on using local resources and enhancing local traditions (awamori), combined with a focus on experimentation and range diversification: traditional distillates, experimental spirits and barrel-matured products.
Territory
Nago (Okinawa Prefecture), Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Production method
The facility holds multiple licenses for awamori, beer, distillates and bottling; official and product descriptions refer to the use of copper pot stills for some productions and to barrel-aging practices for awamori and certain whisky expressions.
Distillation
Copper pot still (batch) for some expressions; traditional processes for awamori (atmospheric distillation) and classic distillation techniques for rum/whisky where indicated.
Ageing
Maturation in wooden casks; barrel aging in casks (white oak/rovere) for some awamori expressions and for released whiskies matured in wood.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Nago
- Categories
- awamori (traditional Okinawan spirit)
- Japanese whisky
- rum
- liqueurs and various spirits
- craft beer
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- rice (for awamori)
- sughero/sugarcane
- water
- yeasts
- Casks and ageing vessels
- American oak
- White oak
- Representative products
- Reki (Whisky Reki Helios 70cl)
- Kura (awamori line, incl. Kura Kosyu / Kura series)
- Kyoda Single Malt / Kyoda Cask Strength (release 2020)
What makes it distinctive
- Producer based in Nago (Okinawa) active across awamori, rum, whisky, beer and liqueurs.
- Whisky label 'Reki' appears in international catalogues; documented single-cask releases such as Kyoda.
- Operates official online sales channels and offers visits/tastings at the facility.
- Extensive use of barrels for aging (Kura awamori line).
Products from Helios
Full collectionThere are currently no products available from this producer.