Hinomaru Gin Craft

A living tribute to over two centuries of Japanese craftsmanship in the art of distilling spirits and sake.

Hinomaru Gin Craft is born from the expertise of the Kiuchi Sake Brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture, representing the fusion of traditional production methods and a modern approach to blending. At its core are twelve carefully selected botanicals, including the fragrant yuzu from Hachigo Distillery and Fukurai mandarins grown at the foot of Mount Tsukuba. The recipe is completed by the distinctive Japanese sansho pepper and other botanicals that evoke the Japanese landscape.

The alcohol base is a rice shochu (junmai), gently aged in cedar barrels. This step gives the gin a velvety texture and a deep aromatic profile, reminiscent of the historic sake breweries of Japan.

On the nose, Hinomaru Gin opens with a vibrant citrus bouquet dominated by mandarin and yuzu, defying the usual expectations of juniper-forward gins. Elegant notes of green tea, spices, and floral hints of cherry leaf follow. On the palate, the entry is smooth and citrusy with a slight bitter edge. The finish is long and enveloping, with woody cedar nuances and refined minerality from the shochu.

A gin with authentic character and deep cultural roots—an invitation to a unique and sophisticated sensory journey.