Raw materials
malted barley
rice (for awamori)
sughero/sugarcane
water
yeasts
Distillery
Helios
Explore the spirits, production style and story of 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.
awamori (traditional Okinawan spirit)
Japanese whisky
rum
liqueurs and various spirits
craft beer
Producer range
Producer range Helios
Spirit categories
awamori (traditional Okinawan spirit)
Japanese whisky
rum
liqueurs and various spirits
craft beer
Representative products
Reki (Whisky Reki Helios 70cl)
Kura (awamori line, incl. Kura Kosyu / Kura series)
Kyoda Single Malt / Kyoda Cask Strength (release 2020)
Casks and ageing vessels
American oak
White oak
Distillation and production
Distillation and production
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.
Producer history Helios
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
Helios
This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.
On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.
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