Take note of Japanese Gins🍸🇯🇵Japan Gin Journey🌸🍸 Pairing with Japanese Food 🍸🍱 Matcha Gin Fizz 🍵 Jan/Feb Events 🗓️


Sip #3 2025

The Gin

Hi Reader, Its still Ginuary ! 🍸
This year, we’re celebrating gin from iconic regions that have shaped the global gin landscape. 🌟 Today, we turn the spotlight to Japan 🇯🇵 —a country where tradition meets innovation in every sip.

Here's what’s on this week’s menu:

Gin of the Week: Japanese Gins🍸🇯🇵
Story: Japan's Journey🌸🍸
Masterclass: Pairing Japanese Gin with Food 🍸🍱
Cocktail for the week: Matcha Gin Fizz 🍵
Community Spotlight:
Gin Jam 🍯
Bazaar: January/February Events 🗓️

Gins of the Week: Japanese Gins🍸🇯🇵

Known for their attention to detail, Japanese 🇯🇵 distillers have redefined gin by blending traditional botanicals with local ingredients like yuzu, green tea, and sansho pepper. These gins embody the spirit of Japan, offering a sensory journey that captures the essence of its landscapes, culture, and meticulous artistry.

Here are five exceptional Japanese gins that not only showcase the country’s mastery of distilling but also invite you to experience the harmony and complexity unique to Japan's gin-making legacy:

  1. Nozawa Gin 🌿
    Flavor Profile: A premium London Dry gin with a Japanese twist, balancing juniper-forward flavors with subtle local botanicals.
    Why Try It: Highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese distilling.
  2. Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin 🍵🍋
    Flavor Profile: A delicate blend of yuzu, green tea, and sansho pepper, offering citrusy brightness, herbal complexity, and a touch of spice.
    Why Try It: Perfectly captures the elegance and innovation of Kyoto's distilling heritage.
  3. Roku Gin 🌸🍃
    Flavor Profile: Sweet floral notes from sakura flower and leaf, balanced with citrusy yuzu and warming sansho pepper.

    Why Try It: A tea-forward gin that reflects Japan's deep connection to nature and tradition.
  4. Etsu Gin 🌿🍊
    Flavor Profile: Herbal with a zesty citrus backbone, featuring a refreshing yuzu-driven finish.
    Why Try It: Crafted with botanicals from Hokkaido, this gin offers a true taste of northern Japan’s terroir.
  5. Nikka Coffey Gin 🍊🌸
    Flavor Profile: A vibrant fusion of citrus and floral notes, with layers of complexity from traditional and Japanese botanicals.
    Why Try It: Showcases the precision and artistry of Nikka’s celebrated distilling techniques.

These Japanese gins offer a sensory journey through the landscapes and traditions of Japan, making them a must-try for any gin enthusiast.

Read about Japan's Gin Journey🌸🍸below👇


Story: Japan's Journey🌸🍸

In 1936, Shinjiro Torii, the visionary founder of Suntory, introduced Hermes Dry Gin, marking a historic milestone as Japan’s first domestically produced gin. Inspired by Western spirits and fueled by his passion for innovation, Torii sought to craft a gin that would resonate with both Japanese and international audiences. The gin was a testament to Japan’s emerging role in the global spirits scene, blending traditional London Dry elements with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship.

Hermes Dry Gin gained popularity during Japan’s post-war cocktail renaissance, where Western-style bars flourished in urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka. Bartenders embraced Hermes as a versatile spirit, crafting classic gin-based cocktails like the Martini and the Gin Rickey. The brand symbolized modern sophistication and played a vital role in introducing Japanese consumers to the nuanced world of gin, creating a bridge between traditional Japanese drinking culture and contemporary global trends.

Although Hermes Dry Gin eventually faded from prominence as newer brands emerged, its legacy set a cornerstone of Japan’s spirits industry. It laid the groundwork for the modern Japanese gin movement, inspiring today’s distilleries to innovate with local botanicals like yuzu, sansho pepper, and green tea. The story of Hermes Dry Gin is not just about a product but a pivotal chapter in Japan’s journey to becoming a respected name in the global gin community.

NEXT, Check out the Masterclass on Pairing Japanese Gin with Food 🍸🍱 below 👇


Masterclass: Pairing Japanese Gin with Food 🍸🍱

Welcome to your masterclass on pairing Japanese gin with food! Japanese gin is renowned for its delicate balance of unique botanicals, making it an exciting choice to elevate your dining experience. Let’s explore how to match its flavors with the right dishes to create unforgettable culinary moments.

Japanese gin stands out due to its distinctive ingredients, such as 🍋 yuzu (a bright citrus fruit), 🍃 shiso (a herb with minty and grassy notes), 🌳 hinoki (Japanese cypress), and 🍵 green tea (earthy and smooth). These botanicals impart a refined and complex profile, ideal for pairing with specific cuisines. Let’s dive into some perfect combinations.

  1. Sushi and Sashimi 🍣 The clean, fresh taste of sushi and sashimi harmonizes beautifully with the citrusy and floral notes of Japanese gin. A gin infused with yuzu or sansho pepper enhances the subtle flavors of raw fish while keeping the pairing light and refreshing. To serve, try a gin and tonic with a twist of lemon or lime for an added burst of freshness.
  2. Tempura 🍤 The light, crispy texture of tempura pairs wonderfully with Japanese gin's herbal and spicy undertones. Opt for a gin that features shiso or green tea botanicals to bring out the delicate flavors of the batter and the fried ingredients. Consider serving the gin with a splash of soda for a bubbly, complimentary drink.
  3. Yakitori 🍢 The savory, smoky flavors of grilled skewers like yakitori create a delightful balance with the sharp juniper and citrus notes in gin. A robust gin with earthy botanicals like hinoki or sansho can cut through the umami-rich grilled flavors. Serving the gin neat or on the rocks allows the pairing to shine without overpowering the dish.
  4. Spicy Dishes 🌶 Spicy foods can be tricky to pair, but Japanese gin’s citrus and herbal profiles make it an excellent choice. The cooling properties of yuzu or green tea in the gin provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the spices. Try pairing it with a gin-sour cocktail to balance the bold flavors while keeping the meal exciting.
  5. Cheese and Charcuterie 🧀 While not traditionally Japanese, cheese and charcuterie boards can be surprisingly harmonious with Japanese gin. The floral and herbal notes of the gin enhance the creamy textures of cheeses like Brie or Gruyère and pair elegantly with cured meats. A gin with floral botanicals such as cherry blossom will elevate the flavors further. Adding tonic or soda to the gin creates a light and sparkling pairing.

Checkout our Cocktail for the week: Matcha Gin Fizz 🍵 below👇


Cocktail for the week: Matcha Gin Fizz 🍵

The Matcha Gin Fizz is a modern twist on the classic Gin Fizz, combining the earthy richness of matcha with the botanical notes of gin. This fusion of Japanese tradition and Western mixology creates a refreshing and innovative cocktail with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces gin
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon matcha powder
  • Club soda
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice or mint sprig for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Matcha: In a small bowl, combine the matcha powder with a tablespoon of hot water. Whisk until the matcha is fully dissolved and smooth, forming a concentrated matcha mixture.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the prepared matcha mixture. Fill the shaker with ice.
  3. Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
  4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with Club Soda: Add club soda to fill the glass, gently stirring to combine.
  6. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint for an added touch of freshness.

Notes:

  • Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool before use.
  • Matcha Quality: Using high-quality matcha powder will enhance the flavor and color of your cocktail.
  • Variations: For a different twist, consider adding a splash of yuzu juice in place of lemon juice to introduce a distinct citrus flavor.

Checkout events and our community feature below 👇


Community Spotlight: Gin Jam 🍯

You must check out this Strawberry & Gin Jam recipe! Delicious! @FabFood4All


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Bazaar: January Gin Events 🗓️

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