Kujira Ryukyu is a rice whisky produced by Kumesen Shuzo, a distillery located on the island of Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is renowned for its traditional spirit awamori, a distilled rice liquor with deep cultural roots in the region, and it is this heritage that forms the foundation of Kujira Ryukyu whisky. The name "Kujira" means "whale" in Japanese, a nod to the vast ocean surrounding the subtropical island. What sets Kujira Ryukyu apart is its use of 100% indica rice and black koji, the same ingredients used in awamori production, giving it a distinctly unique character among Japanese whiskies. The spirit is matured in a variety of casks, including first-fill bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and American white oak, with expressions ranging from 10 to 25 years of age. Okinawa's warm, subtropical climate accelerates maturation, resulting in a rich, elegant whisky with floral notes and remarkable complexity. Kujira Ryukyu has gained international recognition, with its 24-year-old Old Bourbon Barrel expression earning accolades at the 2021 International Wines & Spirits Competition. The range includes expressions such as the 12 Year, 15 Year, 24 Year, and 25 Year, as well as the Inari bottling, which has been described as a captivating fusion of sake and bourbon character.