H A Short History of Gin in Japan

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Japan

Japan has become one of the most exciting gin-producing nations in the world. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship in whisky, sake, and shochu, Japan has now applied the same precision and philosophy to gin. The result is a new generation of gins that combine traditional juniper with Japanese botanicals such as yuzu, cherry blossom, sanshō pepper, matcha, and green tea. These unique ingredients have created gins that stand apart from Western styles, making Japanese gin a global favorite in the world of gin and tonic.

---

A Short History of Gin in Japan

For most of the 20th century, Japan’s spirits culture was defined by whisky, sake, and shochu. Gin was available, but largely imported from Europe. The turning point came in the mid-2010s, when Japanese distilleries — already globally respected for whisky — began to experiment with gin. Inspired by the Japanese appreciation of nature and seasonality, distillers incorporated local botanicals to create spirits that were unmistakably Japanese.

Today, Japanese gin has become an international phenomenon, exported worldwide and featured in luxury cocktail bars.

---

Famous Japanese Gin Brands

1. Roku Gin – The Global Icon

Distillery: Suntory, Osaka
Founded: 2017

Roku (“six” in Japanese) is the best-known Japanese gin internationally.

• Botanicals: Six Japanese ingredients — yuzu peel, sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sanshō pepper — blended with classic gin botanicals.

• Flavor Profile: Bright citrus, delicate floral notes, and a peppery finish.

• Reputation: Suntory’s flagship gin, widely available worldwide, praised for elegance and balance.

---

2. KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin – The Pioneer

Distillery: Kyoto Distillery, Kyoto
Founded: 2015

The first craft distillery dedicated solely to gin in Japan, KI NO BI helped define the Japanese gin identity.

• Botanicals: Yuzu, hinoki (Japanese cypress), bamboo leaves, gyokuro tea, ginger.

• Variants:

  • KI NO BI Dry Gin – The classic.

  • KI NO TEA – With premium Uji green tea.

  • KI NO BI SEI – A higher-proof edition.

• Reputation: Considered an artisanal benchmark of Japanese gin.

---

3. Etsu Gin – The Floral Spirit from Hokkaido

Distillery: Asahikawa Distillery, Hokkaido

Etsu (meaning “pleasure” in Japanese) is a floral and aromatic gin from the north of Japan.

• Botanicals: Yuzu, tea leaves, Japanese pepper, and local flowers.

• Flavor Profile: Delicate, soft, and floral with a fresh citrus core.

• Reputation: Known for its light, refreshing style and artistic bottle design.

---

4. Masahiro Okinawa Gin – The Tropical Expression

Distillery: Masahiro Distillery, Okinawa
Founded: 2017

From Okinawa, a region famous for awamori (rice spirit), Masahiro Gin reflects the tropical character of the island.

• Botanicals: Goji berries, guava leaves, roselle (hibiscus), and long pepper.

• Style: Fruity, exotic, and slightly spicy.

• Reputation: Unique among Japanese gins, representing Okinawa’s subtropical climate.

---

5. Komasa Gin – Fruit-Forward Innovation

Distillery: Komasa Jyozo, Kagoshima

Komasa Gin specializes in fruit-based gins with bold flavors.

• Variants:

  • Komasa Gin Sakurajima Komikan – Flavored with tiny mandarin oranges from Kagoshima.

  • Komasa Gin Hojicha – Infused with roasted Japanese green tea.

• Reputation: Creative and experimental, appealing to modern gin enthusiasts.

---

6. Other Emerging Japanese Gins

• Nikka Coffey Gin – Produced by Nikka Whisky, with hints of apple, citrus, and sanshō.

• WA Bi Gin – Crafted with traditional Japanese herbs and spices.

• Haku Gin (by Suntory) – A rare limited release, highlighting rice-based spirits.

---

Tonic Waters in Japan

While gin is booming, tonic water in Japan is equally important for the perfect serve.

1. Wilkinson Tonic Water – The Classic Local Choice

Produced since the early 20th century, Wilkinson is Japan’s most popular tonic, widely used in izakayas and bars.

2. Suntory Tonic Water

A premium tonic from Suntory, designed to pair with Roku Gin.

3. Imported Premium Tonics

Brands such as Fever-Tree, Fentimans, and Schweppes Premium Mixer are widely available in Japanese cocktail bars, particularly in Tokyo and Kyoto.

---

Japan’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Minimalist Elegance: Japanese gin & tonics are often served simply — highball style, with clear ice and minimal garnish.

• Garnishes: Yuzu peel, cucumber, shiso leaf, or sanshō pepper are common, highlighting Japanese botanicals.

• Cocktail Scene: Tokyo’s world-class cocktail bars (such as Bar High Five and Gen Yamamoto) have elevated gin & tonic to an art form.

• Philosophy: Japanese gin culture reflects shokunin — the artisan spirit — with precision, respect for ingredients, and seasonal expression.

---

Conclusion

Japan has taken the world of gin & tonic by storm, creating spirits that are both deeply local and globally admired. From the international star Roku Gin, to the artisanal pioneer KI NO BI, the floral elegance of Etsu, the tropical flair of Masahiro Okinawa Gin, and the innovative fruit gins of Komasa, Japanese gin showcases craftsmanship, nature, and cultural heritage in every sip.

Paired with tonics like Wilkinson or Suntory Tonic Water, and garnished with yuzu or shiso, a Japanese gin & tonic is not just a cocktail — it’s a sensory journey through the landscapes and traditions of Japan.