Buddha Zen Lotus Root Vodka
Buddha Zen Lotus Root Vodka is a 40% ABV (80 proof) Japanese vodka distilled from the root of the lotus flower — blended with rice spirits, per distributor copy (one retailer describes the base as rice vodka; the bottle label is the final word) — and filtered through large "zen stones" said to have received a purification ritual and blessing by a Buddhist monk in Kamakura, Japan, home of the Great Buddha. It arrives in a glass vessel shaped like Buddha's head. Hand-crafted in Japan in small batches, a 750mL bottle. Order Japanese vodka online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: Lotus root, blended with rice spirits
- Filtration: "Zen stones" blessed by a Kamakura Buddhist monk
- Origin: Hand-crafted in Japan
Lotus Root, Zen Stones, Buddha's Head
Buddha Zen commits to its theme all the way down: a vodka distilled from lotus root — a base spirit almost nobody else uses — filtered through stones carrying a monk's blessing from Kamakura, and bottled in Buddha's head. Retailer notes describe impressive depth on the nose, a rich, complex, smooth and elegant palate with mellow roundness from the lotus root, and a quite rich, smooth finish; neat or with a splash of water it opens toward vanilla and coconut. It harmonizes with green tea, sake and yuzu citrus in cocktails. Discover more Buddha Zen and the vodka collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: impressive depth. Palate: rich, complex, smooth, elegant — mellow roundness from the lotus root; vanilla and coconut with a splash of water. Finish: quite rich, lovely smooth texture. (Retailer/distributor copy — no official distillery panel found.)
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to bring out the vanilla and coconut. In cocktails, pair it with green tea, sake or yuzu citrus — it drinks harmoniously with Japanese flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buddha Zen vodka made from? A Japanese vodka distilled from the root of the lotus flower, blended with rice spirits (some retailers describe it as rice vodka; the exact split isn't published by a brand site).
Where is Buddha Zen vodka from? Japan — hand-crafted in small batches there.
Why is the bottle shaped like a Buddha head? It's the brand's signature packaging — a glass vessel in the shape of Buddha's head, echoing the Kamakura monk-blessing story.
One of the most unusual vodkas on the shelf — order Buddha Zen Lotus Root Vodka online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.