Boutique Distiller Ushers In Era Of Low-calorie Cocktails; Brings Haamonii (harmony) To New York

Fine beverage enthusiasts in New York can now enjoy a new era of low-calorie cocktails with the New York launch of Haamonii Shochu (soju), a remarkable new spirit that mixes like vodka but with far less calories and half the alcohol. Haamonii, which means harmony in Japanese, is a category-defining spirit which brings with it not only a brand-new approach to a centuries-old tradition, but also a new way of thinking and feeling. And New York could always USE a little more Haamonii (harmony), right? Haamonii is being distributed in New York by Apollo Wine and Spirits.



Besides its medal-winning flavor profile and unparalleled smoothness, Haamonii offers the twin benefits of lower calories and lower proof than vodka. A two-ounce serving of Haamonii is as low as 75 calories, compared to as much as 120 calories for vodka. Haamonii has an alcohol content of 22% which is about half that of vodka (40% and up). Haamonii's even been recommended by Health Magazine, who said, "A lighter cocktail - one of the few brands we like. Perfect for calorie watchers."



Founded by James Key Lim and his wife, Haamonii is hand-crafted in small batches in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lim brings a refreshing, unique attitude to a business long dominated by transnational mega-corporations. Rather, Lim is one of a new breed of artisanal distillers with a distinctly individual style and life philosophy.



"We are living out a dream to produce a world class Japanese Shochu in the US and share harmony with everyone," he says. "Our purpose is to bring harmony and lower calorie cocktails into the lives of others. One philosophy we like to live by it is to 'pour for others and not self'--an ancient tradition to ensure you'll never drink alone."



Shochu is an ancient Japanese distilled spirit also known as soju. The third most popular spirit in the world (behind vodka and Chinese spirits), Shochu recently outsold sake in Japan. While it's like vodka, Shochu's global popularity has been fueled by being lighter and lower in alcohol content (proof).



Haamonii, is 100% natural, made from premium grain spirits and natural flavors, is 44 proof and available in two varieties: Haamonii Original and Haamonii Lemon, with a hint of all-natural citrus flavor.

In the few short months Haamonii has been available in California and Altanta, the new spirit has earned significant accolades. The Beverage Testing Institute awarded Haamonii a Gold Medal, saying, "Rice pudding and lemon tea aromas have a faint mocha edge and follow through on a satiny soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with a lemon rice candy and tapioca fade. A very pleasant mixing Shochu for juicy cocktails or on its own."

Spirits expert, judge and journalist Robert Plotkin was particularly impressed. He wrote, "Haamonii Shochu falls somewhere between fabulous and exquisite. Even when sampled at room temperature it was more luxurious and elegant than any other I've tasted. If any brand of shochu were to grab the attention of spirits enthusiasts and drink-making aficionados in this country, Haamonii is it. It's lushly textured with an alluring bouquet and a long, silky finish. In my experience, there's nothing else remotely like it on the market."

Haamonii has also won multiple awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Anthony Dias Blue of Tasting Panel honored Haamonii with 91 points. The San Francisco Chronicle said, "...favorites among two...staff tasters who found both [varieties] to be light and smooth, with a hint of sweetness." Finally, Haamonii has been fearured at the Four Seasons hotel all summer in their celebrity interview studio: www.younghollywood.