A small batch gin that has emerged in the island nation’s new found thirst for premium gins.
The Kozue Japanese Craft Gin is distilled at the Wakayama-owned Fujishiro Distillery, which traditionally has distilled shochu.
This is a fresh, pine-y gin with many of the botanics sourced from the local area. Some of the botanicals are listed on the label, including umbrella pine, mandarin, orange, lemon and Japanese pepper.
The spice is quite punchy, with the juniper prominent as well. The citrus is a little more background.