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It might come as a surprise to discover that gin production is still fairly new to Japanese distilleries, with the first examples released to the world no earlier than 2016. What shouldn’t be surprising is that the level of craftsmanship the Japanese apply to everything is also present in their gin, meaning it wasn’t long before they were taking on the gin giants of the UK. 

Japan’s gins are in hot demand because of both the meticulous care taken during distilling as well as for the unique native botanicals used in the process. Rice is the most common base, but other options such as sugarcane or even sweet potato are becoming popular. Expect an abundance of citrus, roasted green tea, indigenous pepper and flowers to feature in Japanese gins. Try them in your martini or push your tonic boundaries with hibiscus- and yuzu-forward mixers, and float away on a bed of cherry blossoms.

Mars Iwai Wa Bi Gin, 700mL, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, $94.50

The Iwai Wa Bi Gin, from the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, is made from a base of rice and features nine local botanicals, heavy in native citrus with shell ginger and green tea. Garnish with lemon peel in martini form, giving the citrus notes of the gin a platform to shine. This is a limited release, produced in small batches, so get your hands on it quick smart.

Ukiyo Yuzu Citrus Gin, 700ml, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, $79.99

The Ukiyo gin bottles are all almost too pretty to open. However, if temptation proves too strong, try their Yuzu Citrus Gin. Yuzu is one of the most common botanicals in Japanese gin, akin to lemon, so pucker up and prepare your tastebuds for a zingy, tart delight that will shine served with a premium tonic or neat on the rocks.

135° East Hyogo Dry Japanese Gin, 700ml, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, $99.95

There is a nod to a London dry gin in the flavour profile of this gin, enhanced with indigenous Japanese botanicals such as sansho pepper, yuzu, cedar and shiso leaf. The addition of saké at the end of the distilling process gives the gin a delicate sweetness. It’s a delight garnished with rosemary and lemon to bring out its herbal finish, and works a treat alongside a bowl of crunchy wasabi peas.

Masahiro Okinawa Japanese Gin, 700ml, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, $110.00

Meet the first and only gin from the tropical island of Naha in Okinawa. Meticulously made and layered with an extensive botanical list of curious delights such as goya (a bitter green melon local to Okinawa) and guava leaves, the gin is plump with tropical flavours. Garnish with mangosteen and serve with unagi (grilled eel) sushi.

Kyoto Distillery Ki No Tea Dry Gin, 700ml, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, $109.99

A celebration of one of Japan’s most famous exports – tea – this is a supreme blend of distilled teas including gyokuro and tencha tea. It offers an incredible botanical profile of deep flavours that punches your nostrils with intense aromatics, with a delicate sweetness and clean green-tea finish. Mix with soda and drink while nibbling on roasted nuts.

Jinzu Premium Japanese Gin, 700ml, Scotland, $59.99

A Japanese-inspired gin from Scotland? Yes, you read right. This curious Scottish gin mixed with saké was born after the maker’s journey to Japan. Expect classic Japanese flavours such as yuzu and cherry blossom paired with traditional botanicals such as juniper and coriander. This gin is a slight curve ball and delicious when used in a negroni.

Nikka Coffey Gin, 700ml, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, $95.99

The unique continuous distillation process enabled by the Coffey Still put Nikka on the map. The still enables high flavour retention and a creamy finish, as seen in Nikka’s world-renowned whiskies and now also with its gin. In the bottle, zesty Japanese citrus dances alongside crunchy apple and tangy sansho pepper. Create the Umi Nami cocktail with yuzu tonic, grapefruit and a salted glass rim.

Roku Japanese Gin, 700ml, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, $54.90

As some of you might recall from Japanese lessons in school, roku means six. Six botanicals are the heroes here, as celebrated on the bottle – sansho pepper, yuzu, sencha, gyokura tea and sakura flowers and leaves. These sit alongside other classic gin botanicals, culminating in a Japanese gin bursting with native spice and flavour. Roku uses fresh ingredients and a vacuum distillation method to maintain their integrity. The result is exceptional in a martini or served neat.

Etsu Japanese Gin, 700ml, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, $79.99

From Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido comes Etsu Gin (etsu meaning ‘pleasure’ in Japanese). Native botanicals such as yuzu, tea and green bitter orange peel are distilled in 100 per cent cane sugar-based spirit. The result is a floral, citrus flavour bomb that lives up to its name when combined with Indian tonic and ice.

How is it best to drink Japanese gin?

Japanese gin’s distinct botanicals are sublime when highlighted with a light tonic or used in your martini for a twist on the classic.

What is different about Japanese gin?

The numerous indigenous botanicals that feature in Japanese gin makes it a truly unique product, as does the meticulous craftsmanship and multitude of different bases used – from sugarcane to sweet potato.

What are some of the most popular Japanese gin brands?

The most popular Japanese gin brands are Roku Gin, Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin and Nikka Coffey Gin.

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