# Japanese Rice Vodkas Kirker Greer Spirits’ New Vodka is Made with Black Kōji Fungus By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-12-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-rice-vodka References: [thespiritsbusiness](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2021/12/ukiyo-unveils-rice-vodka/) & [kirkergreer](https://kirkergreer.com/)  [Kirker Greer Spirits’](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ukiyo-gin) newest creation is [Ukiyo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-gin) Japanese Rice Vodka, a spirit made with black kōji fungus. With this new product, the gin brand is venturing into the creation of vodka and the premium spirit is made in a distillery that makes the local rice spirit awamori, which is local to the tropical island of Okinawa. The vodka gets its unique characteristics from the long-grain indica rice that has been inoculated with black kōji, a fungus that inhibits the growth of bacteria during the brewing process. This fungus also plays a part in the creation of awamori, and it is said to impart a sweet and mellow flavor. Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka, bottled at 40% ABV, is packaged in an aesthetically pleasing smoky bottle to recall the striking beauty of the Japanese landscape. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Rice-based Spirits:** Opportunity for distilleries to explore unique flavors and production methods using rice as a base ingredient. - **Innovative Fungus Usage:** Fungus-based fermentation and flavoring could be applied to other spirits and food products. - **Premium Packaging:** Attention to packaging aesthetics and design can enhance consumer appeal and elevate brand positioning. ### Where This Applies - **Distilleries:** Opportunity for distilleries to diversify their product portfolio and tap into new markets with unique and innovative spirits. - **Food and Beverage:** Innovative uses of fungi in food and beverages could lead to new product development and enhanced flavor profiles. - **Design and Packaging:** Opportunity for design and packaging firms to collaborate with spirits brands on product and packaging design to support brand differentiation and premium positioning. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pungent Wasabi Vodkas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasabi-vodka.md) - [Japanese Spiced Botanical Gins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ukiyo-spirits.md) - [Umami Mushroom Vodkas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/local-heroes-no-1-mushroom-cabinet-vodka.md) - [Goji-Flavored Vodka Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vodka-beverage.md) - [Black Sugar Rums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japonisme.md) - [Single-Grain Japanese Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-spirits.md) - [Exclusive Japanese Restaurant Vodkas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sexy-fish-vodka.md) - [Botanical Japanese Gins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sasshu.md) - [Clear Fermented Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koji-clear.md)