Okinawa Awamori Zanpa White & Black Review 2026: Prices & Where to Buy

If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, one souvenir you absolutely must consider picking up is its traditional distilled spirit, Awamori (泡盛).

Among the many brands available, I highly recommend Zanpa White and Zanpa Black. They're incredibly popular and easy to find in local supermarkets and liquor stores throughout Okinawa, making them a perfect introduction to this unique spirit.

The price point is also very approachable, so if you're new to Awamori, these are an excellent starting point.

1. What is Awamori (泡盛)?

Awamori is a traditional distilled spirit crafted using long-grain Indica rice (similar to what's found in Southeast Asia) and Okinawa's distinctive black koji mold. It typically comes in two main types:

Koshu (古酒): Aged for at least three years, offering a richer, more profound flavor.

Shinshu (新酒): A younger spirit with a clean, crisp profile due to shorter aging.

Because it's fermented with black koji, Awamori has a distinctive, sometimes earthy or slightly funky aroma that can be an acquired taste for some, making it a spirit that truly stands out.

2. Zanpa White & Zanpa Black

For those venturing into Awamori for the first time, choosing a popular and reasonably priced brand is key. That's where Zanpa White and Zanpa Black come in, both produced by Higa Shuzo (比嘉酒造) in Okinawa's Yomitan Village.

✅ Zanpa White: Zanshiro (残波 ホワイト)

Alcohol Content: 25% ABV

This is a lighter, refreshing Awamori crafted to appeal to a broader audience, including younger drinkers. It uses a vacuum distillation method to remove the more intense, earthy notes characteristic of black koji.

When you taste it, you'll notice bright, almost fruity aromas and a remarkably smooth finish.

While many Awamori typically hover around 30% ABV, Zanpa White's 25% makes it incredibly approachable. It's fantastic served on the rocks, as a *mizuwari* (mixed with water), or even in a refreshing highball with soda water.

✅ Zanpa Black: Zankuro (残波 ブラック)

Alcohol Content: 30% ABV

This is the original-style Awamori, offering the full, robust flavor and savory notes that define traditional Awamori. It's produced using atmospheric distillation, which preserves the rich black koji aroma.

You might also detect a subtle sweetness from the rice.

While delicious on the rocks or as *mizuwari*, enjoying Zanpa Black as an *oyuwari* (mixed with warm water) truly enhances its deep, comforting flavors.

Its robust character makes Zanpa Black an excellent pairing for hearty meat dishes.

3. Where to Buy, Local Prices & Liquor Store Tips

As Zanpa White and Zanpa Black are the most popular Awamori varieties, you'll have no trouble finding them for your shopping spree across Okinawa. Look for them at places like Don Quijote on Kokusai Street, various liquor stores, and Aeon Mall in American Village.

For a standard 720ml bottle, you can expect prices to be:

Zanpa White: around ~$9

Zanpa Black: around ~$8

Interestingly, Zanpa White, despite its lower alcohol content, tends to be slightly more expensive due to its vacuum distillation process and its marketing towards a younger demographic.

I personally purchased my bottles from a liquor store called "Kinsei Yoshuten" (金星洋酒店) near Miebashi Station in Naha. Their prices were significantly lower than other retail spots!

I snagged Zanpa White for ~$7.

And Zanpa Black for just ~$5! While these prices were observed in 2025, they were still notably cheaper than what I found elsewhere.

The store had a vibe more like a wholesaler supplying local izakayas, which likely explains the fantastic prices. Beyond Zanpa, you'll also find a wide selection of other Japanese shochu and various entry-level whiskies.

If you're planning to hunt for the best liquor deals, definitely keep this spot in mind!

Awamori makes for a truly unique and recommended souvenir from your Okinawa trip. The Zanpa series is a fantastic entry point for anyone new to Awamori, offering an accessible taste of this traditional spirit.

If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing experience over Awamori's traditional earthiness, Zanpa White is your pick. But if you're eager to dive into the rich, authentic flavors of traditional Awamori, then Zanpa Black is the one to try.

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