Distillery
Ryoma
Ryoma is a Japanese rum brand produced by Kikusui (菊水酒造) in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The range includes younger aged expressions (reported by some retailers as 12–18 months) and more mature versions (e.g. 7 years). Some labels are sold at 40% ABV while other commercial bottlings list different strengths.
- Aki (the producer Kikusui is registered in Aki / commercial references also mention locations in Kuroshio in the same area) · Kōchi · Japan
- 2 products
The story
Ryoma was created as a rum label developed by Kikusui (菊水酒造), a historic company from Kōchi Prefecture best known for sake production, which expanded its business to include rum production using the local tradition of sugarcane cultivation in the Kōchi region.
Production philosophy
To produce rums that highlight Kōchi's local raw materials and the producer's fermentation and distillation expertise, with references to Japanese style in material selection and aromatic profiles.
Territory
Kōchi Prefecture, island of Shikoku (Japan).
Production method
Commercial descriptions indicate that some Ryoma expressions are made from sugarcane juice (agricole style) while others are reported to be made from molasses; distillation is listed in various technical sheets as performed in traditional pot stills and fermentation may make use of yeast strains also used in sake production, according to product sources.
Distillation
Distillation in pot stills (batch alembic) according to product sheets reported by distributors and retailers.
Ageing
Aging in wooden barrels (white oak / oak barrels), with variable periods depending on the expression (e.g. 12–18 months for some versions and 7 years for others cited by retailers).
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Aki (the producer Kikusui is registered in Aki / commercial references also mention locations in Kuroshio in the same area)
- Categories
- Japanese rum
- rum agricole
- aged rum
- rum
- Raw materials
- sugarcane juice
- molasses
- Casks and ageing vessels
- American oak barrels
- French oak barrels
- white oak
- Representative products
- Ryoma Rum - Aged between 12 and 18 Months 70cl
- Ryoma Rum - Special pack with 2 glasses - Aged between 12 and 18 Months 70cl
- Ryoma 7 Years (Ryoma 7 Year Old)
What makes it distinctive
- Rum produced in Japan by Kikusui (菊水酒造) in Kōchi Prefecture.
- Commercial variants reported with aging of 12–18 months and a 7-year version.
- Raw materials indicated: both sugarcane juice (agricole style) and molasses depending on the expression.
- Commercial strengths observed around 40% ABV (some labels report 32% for specific bottlings).