Shochu and Awamori

[BigBossIchi]

I'm a huge sake fan and would like to find abit more infomation about these two particular types of sake that are in fact distilled and not brewed like the rest. A few questions, like the difference in taste to regular sake, especially those of which are distilled with sweet potato. Secondly are there outlets here in North America that sell either shochu or awamori? Especially here in Canada, Ontario to be exact, thx!

[bezz]

I'm a huge sake fan and would like to find abit more infomation about these two particular types of sake that are in fact distilled and not brewed like the rest.This is a great awamori site: Link (http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/en/27.html)
Another page here (http://www.okinawa-awamori.or.jp/english/) too.

http://www.japansake.or.jp/honkaku/feeling/image/04_awamori/ph02.gif

[changedonrequest]

A few questions, like the difference in taste to regular sake, especially those of which are

I have drank large amounts of both Japanese sake and Awamori, the biggest difference is the Japanese Sake, Nihon-shu, is mostly sweeter and smoother to drink than awamori. Japanese sake is like wine. There are numerous different brands and tastes to both.

Awamori is like drinking whiskey, yet when it is aged it takes on a completely different flavor and becomes more like a brandy, goes down smoothly and is best drank either straight or with hot water. I have drank awamori that was aged 100 years, and that was incredible, smooth, and thoroughly enjoyable. Usually I drink an awamori that is aged about 10 to 12 years, good stuff as well.