Awa Shiso

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]

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]

Kikaijima Cane Sugar — Sweetness & Umami. Awa Shiso uses unrefined, freshly pressed raw cane sugar from Kikaijima, a Japanese island characterized by a raised coral reef whose mineral-rich soil the producer credits with an umami-rich flavor in the sugar.^[1]

Appearance. A.I.R. Distillations describes Awa Shiso as a sparkling beverage with a gentle mousse. Natural sediment may be present.^[1],[2]

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

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]

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]