Las Vegas Distillery Unveils Unique American Rum Made With Rare Japanese Black Sugar

(Photo: Lost Spirits Distillery)

Las Vegas rum producers, Lost Spirits Distillery have announced the release of “Japonisme” Rum made from Okinawan sugar that is rarely seen outside of Japan.

In true Las Vegas fashion Lost Spirits is more than a distillery, it’s an experience and a spectacle. The rum makers also put on an interactive modern cirque show as part of a speakeasy experience. Lost Spirits was co-founded by, Bryan Davis who desired to create a theatrical version of his favorite places to drink.

Japonisme is a heavy-pot-still rum made from 100% Okinawan Kokuto sugar that was aged in toasted and charred American oak. Kokuto translates to “Black Sugar” and is a highly regarded culinary ingredient that has been made on the Japanese island since the 17th century. Kokuto is made by drying boiled sugarcane juice into brownish-black bricks. The process of making this dark sugar involves a long and slow cooking time that retains the molasses as well as a distinctive, rich, smoky flavor, unlike conventional white sugar or some other cane sugars.

To the company’s knowledge, Japonisme is the only rum produced from Kokuto in the United States and may be the only rum made from this form of sugar outside Japan.

Davis stated, “We have been working on this project for over a year and I’m delighted to taste the results.  It was a rewarding experience for all of us at Lost Spirits to get back to our roots.”

The rum is described by the brand as having aromas of salty wet wood and fallen leaves, followed by black cherry, cedar and caramel. On the palate is notes of cedar box, vanilla, baking spices, black cherry and dark chocolate.    

The Japonisme bottling (batch 1) is limited to roughly 1000 bottles, which are currently available to Lost Spirits Distillery shareholders and critics. The rum will be available to the public starting this December. Japonisme is restricted in supply and presently the brand does not intend to produce more of this limited-edition rum. 

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