Rankan
with soda

Hello, it’s Wataru, the master of BAR Kurage.

I wasn’t too familiar with black sugar shochu until an encounter with Ryugu Rankan 2018 a little while ago.
It happened randomly, a first-time customer came in and pointed to the distinctive blue bottle behind the bar counter, and asked if I would like to drink with him.

With an alcohol content, if I recall correctly, of 43% (which may vary depending on the bottling date), it has a smooth taste and texture that doesn't give away its strength.
I was immediately captivated by the wild, unfiltered richness of flavor and the elegant sweetness.
I heard that the locals on Amami Oshima enjoy black sugar shochu while nibbling on solid black sugar. I tried that, but the smoothness made it easy to drink too much.
So, I started experimenting with diluting it with water or soda.

At BAR Kurage, we make it with 30ml of Rankan and 90ml of water or soda.
When I drink it at home, I don't bother measuring the liquid; I enjoy it casually, depending on my mood.
Lately, I've been making a super weak soda mix and enjoying a gentle buzz at lunchtime.
Despite the sweltering heat, the alcohol quickly dissipates in sweat, but it somehow makes me feel really energetic!

It's a limited edition spirit, with only a very small quantity released once a year. It's not readily available everywhere, and the taste, aroma, and alcohol content can vary depending on the bottling date. Due to my profession, I visit different liquor stores a lot and it feels like a treasure hunt collecting Rankan from different years. That's what I've been enjoying these days!

I hope this precious gem, with its beautiful blue bottle and washi paper label, finds its way into your homes as well!

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