H A Short History of Gin in Taiwan

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Taiwan

Taiwan is best known in the beverage world for its whisky (Kavalan), bubble tea, and rice-based spirits. Yet in the last decade, the island has also joined the global gin renaissance, producing artisanal gins that blend classic juniper with Taiwanese ingredients like Oolong tea, kumquat, pomelo, betel leaf, and mountain herbs.

Gin & tonic has become especially popular in Taipei’s cocktail bars and speakeasies, reflecting Taiwan’s mix of Eastern flavors and Western mixology culture. While imported gins dominate the mainstream market, local producers are now putting Taiwan on the map for craft gin.

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A Short History of Gin in Taiwan

Gin was first introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), when European spirits began to circulate in the region. For much of the 20th century, gin was imported and consumed mainly in hotels, foreign clubs, and later, Western-style restaurants.

The turning point came in the 2010s, when Taiwan’s craft distilling movement, inspired by the global cocktail boom, began to grow. Distillers used local botanicals from Taiwan’s mountains and tea plantations, producing unique gins that reflect the island’s terroir. Today, Taiwanese gin is gaining recognition in Asia and abroad.

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Famous Taiwanese Gin Brands

1. Kavalan Gin – From Taiwan’s Whisky Giant

Distillery: Kavalan Distillery, Yilan County
Founded: 2005 (gin launched in 2018)

Kavalan, world-famous for its award-winning whisky, entered the gin world with a premium product.

• Botanicals: Juniper, red guava, starfruit, and local herbs.

• Style: Smooth, fruity, with tropical brightness.

• Reputation: Taiwan’s most internationally recognized gin, exported worldwide.

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2. Taiwan Gin (Formosan Dry Gin) – Tea & Citrus Identity

Distillery: Formosan Distillers, Taipei

This boutique gin celebrates Taiwan’s iconic teas and fruits.

• Botanicals: Juniper, Oolong tea, kumquat, pomelo peel, betel leaf.

• Style: Aromatic, citrus-forward, with a tea-like finish.

• Reputation: Popular among bartenders in Taipei’s speakeasy bars.

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3. Triple Eight Gin (TTB Spirits) – Modern Craft Spirit

Distillery: TTB Spirits, Taichung

An innovative craft gin that focuses on Taiwanese botanicals with a contemporary style.

• Botanicals: Juniper, green tea, ginger, coriander, and local citrus.

• Style: Crisp and versatile, designed for cocktails.

• Reputation: Gaining traction in central Taiwan’s cocktail scene.

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4. Others Emerging

Taiwan’s small-batch distillers are experimenting with ingredients such as:

• Alishan high-mountain tea

• Lotus flower

• Wild herbs from Taroko Gorge
  These remain niche but are becoming more visible in Taiwan’s high-end bars.

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Imported Gin Brands in Taiwan

As in most of Asia, international gins remain very popular in Taiwan, especially in luxury hotels and restaurants:

• Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available.

• Bombay Sapphire – Popular in Taipei’s cocktail lounges.

• Hendrick’s – A favorite among speakeasies for cucumber-based G&Ts.

• Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Trendy in upscale Mediterranean restaurants.

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Tonics in Taiwan

1. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most common, widely sold in supermarkets and bars.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

A top choice in Taipei’s mixology bars, especially Elderflower and Mediterranean tonics.

3. Local Mixers

Some Taiwanese soda makers have begun creating craft tonic waters infused with tea extracts or citrus, but these are still niche.

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Taiwan’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Cocktail Hotspot: Taipei leads the gin & tonic boom, with world-class bars like Indulge Experimental Bistro serving creative G&T variations.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spain and Japan, G&Ts are often served in balloon glasses with delicate garnishes.

• Garnishes: Kumquat slices, pomelo peel, betel leaves, tea leaves, or tropical fruits.

• Tourism Influence: Gin is especially popular in expat-friendly neighborhoods and international hotels.

• Cultural Identity: Taiwanese gin reflects the island’s fusion of tea culture, tropical fruits, and modern craft mixology.

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Conclusion

Though gin is a newcomer compared to whisky and pisco, Taiwan has quickly developed a distinct gin identity. With internationally recognized brands like Kavalan Gin, artisanal creations like Taiwan Gin, and innovative craft spirits like Triple Eight Gin, the island showcases its rich biodiversity and culinary heritage.

Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with kumquat, Oolong tea leaves, or pomelo peel, a Taiwanese gin & tonic offers a refreshing blend of East and West.

For gin lovers, tasting a G&T in Taiwan is more than a cocktail — it’s a journey through tea plantations, tropical orchards, and Taipei’s modern nightlife.