Awa Shiso

Appearance. A.I.R. Distillations describes Awa Shiso as a sparkling beverage with a gentle mousse. Natural sediment may be present.^[1],[3]

Nose. The nose shows a fresh, green, herbal aroma with a vegetal undertone and crispness from fresh shiso.^[1]

Palate. The palate shows a hint of fruit — cherry and blossom — alongside nuttiness and spiciness from black pepper.^[1]

Finish. The finish is dominated by pandan, which comes to the fore and lingers, with layered impressions of brioche and woody notes, and tannins that dry the mouth in a bright, refreshing way.^[1]

Structure. Structural points supported by the producer's descriptions:^[1]

• Tannin: present, drying the mouth in a bright, refreshing way
• Body: gentle mousse; mature, gastronomic style
• Complexity: layered aromas across primary, mid-palate and finish
• Length: pandan-driven, lingering finish

Awa Shiso is composed of fresh red Japanese shiso, unrefined raw cane sugar from Kikaijima, grapes from two cépages selected from two different terroirs, and pandan. Distillates of jalapeño and black pepper are added to underline shiso's peppery character, and verjuice contributes acidity and grape aromas.^[1],[2]

Jalapeño and Black Pepper Distillates — Peppery Lift. Distillates of jalapeño and black pepper are added to highlight the peppery character of the red shiso.^[2]

Verjuice — Acidity. Verjuice contributes acidity and grape aromas to the blend.^[2]

Grapes — Vinous Character. The vinous character comes from two grape cépages selected from two different terroirs, which the producer states provide vinous character and sour balance.^[1]

Pandan — Sweet, Nutty Finish. Pandan is processed with a pressurised distillation technique intended to unlock mellow sweetness and nutty, vanilla notes. Its flavour profile is described as a fusion of toasted coconut and almond.^[1]

Ingredients Policy. A.I.R. Distillations states that Awa Shiso contains no preservatives, no additives, no flavourings, natural aromas, or extracts, and describes the beverage as 100% natural. The shiso is grown organically on the producer's own fields.^[1]

Seasonal Cuvées. According to A.I.R. Distillations, Awa Shiso is a seasonal product made with fresh-harvested shiso, so that each cuvée is unique. The producer describes it as a mature, gastronomic style with a gentle mousse and layered aromas.^[1]

Name Origin. A.I.R. Distillations states that the name 'Awa' (泡) means delicate, sparkling bubbles in Japanese.^[1]

Temperature. Awa Shiso should be served ice cold at 3–6°C.^[1]

Glassware. A wide champagne glass is recommended; coupe or flute shapes are not recommended.^[1]

Sediment & Preparation. Because Awa Shiso undergoes minimal filtration after bottling, natural sediment may be present. A.I.R. Distillations recommends storing the bottle upright in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the sediment to settle.^[1]

Storage. The bottle should be stored in a dry, dark place at 3–4°C.^[1]