Myojin Amazake is a traditional Japanese non-alcoholic rice drink produced by Amanoya, a company founded in 1846 beside Kanda Myōjin Shrine in Tokyo. It forms part of the company’s tradition dating back to the Edo period.
It is made from rice and house-made rice kōji, without added sugar or other additives. Its distinguishing feature is the kōji produced in a natural earthen chamber, known as a tsuchimuro, located six meters beneath the shop and used since its founding. Kōji production is followed by further processing and maturation of the drink, during which enzymes break down the rice starch and develop its natural sweetness.
It is characterized by gentle sweetness and a thick texture with discernible grains of rice. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on the season and personal preference. It is available as a ready-to-drink beverage and as a concentrate, which the producer recommends diluting with two parts water to one part concentrate.
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