Bremen, 06 December 2018. The gin trend has now also caught on in Japan, enriching the gin range there through the use of typical Japanese botanicals. Known for producing sake and whiskey for over 100 years, Chugoku Jozo Ltd. distillery is breaking new ground with the innovative Sakurao distillery built this year.
The first two products produced, Sakurao Gin Original 9 Botanicals and Sakurao Gin Limited 17 Botanicals, already convinced the judges of this year’s IWSC International Wine & Spirits Award 2018 in terms of quality and bottle design.
While Sakurao Gin Original 9 Botanicals is made from nine native and five imported botanicals, including juniper berry and coriander, the 17 ingredients used in Sakurao Gin Limited 17 Botanicals are purely of regional Japanese origin. The regional botanicals, such as the floral-smelling Japanese lemon, the lush scent of yuzu, as well as notes of Japanese cypress, oyster shell and, of course, cherry blossom (jap. sakura), enrich the gin with a variety of unique flavors. Both grades will soon be available from well-stocked specialist retailers.
The gin is distilled in a copper hybrid still made in Germany, which combines maceration and percolation. Percolation is a process used to extract aromas during distillation and is also known as steam extraction. For this purpose, the botanicals are filled into a so-called spirit basket (botanical tray) with a sieve insert, which is hung into the spirit helmet above the still. These botanicals do not come into direct contact with the liquid alcohol. Only the alcohol vapors brush over it, carrying away the aromas of the spirit basket. Even the finest aromatic notes can thus be released from really any plant with the hybrid method and enrich the Craft Gin.
Tasting Notes:
Sakurao Gin Original 9 Botanicals
Complex and aromatic with earthy angelica and green tea notes, plus some violet and cherry blossom. Crisp juniper up front with some black pepper. Notes of marmalade and citrus follow before a coriander spiciness appears on the finish.
Sakurao Gin Limited 17 Botanicals
Delicate aromas of roses, jasmine and cherry blossoms, followed by hints of citrus and juniper. A nuanced and elegant spirit, perfectly balanced and very well finished. Classic aromas of juniper and coriander are complemented by graceful citrus and floral notes. A complex and delightful spirit.
Awards at the 2018 IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition:
Sakurao Gin Original 9 Botanicals
- IWSC Gold
- IWSC Silver Spirits Artwork and Bottle Design
Sakurao Gin Limited 17 Botanicals
- IWSC Gold Outstanding
- IWSC Silver Spirits Artwork and Bottle Design
About Sakurao Distillery
Chugoku Jozo Co. Ltd. was founded in 1918 in the city of Sakurao in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Rich in nature and also known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island of Miyajima with its highest peak Mount Misen. Distinctive flavors result from natural richness, mild climate, techniques and traditions owed to over 100 years of experience in the production of spirits. To this day, these flavors are loved and enjoyed by many. Chugoku Jozo Co. Ltd. is already known in Europe for its premium whisky range under the Togouchi brand as well as for high-quality sake.
Innovation from tradition
Chugoku Jozo Co. Ltd. built the innovative Sakurao Distillery, a craft distillery, in Hiroshima this year. The innovative spirit of the company, born of tradition, is to ensure the future of the distillery with the possibility of producing quite innovative flavors. Not surprisingly, the first two gin distillates from Sakurao already received outstanding awards at the IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 in the year of their release. This year also saw the start of production of Hiroshima’s first single malt whisky, which will make its debut in 2021.
Sakurao Distillery Tour
A distillery that wants to make its Japanese contribution to the Western spirit culture and show the riches of the local nature.
Information about the SAKURAO distillery tour at:
www.sakuraodistillery.com
www.facebook.com/sakruaodistillery
A distillery tour provides an in-depth look at the distillation techniques used, which utilize more than a dozen regional botanicals. Inside, you can admire the handmade technical equipment, such as the copper hybrid still, which comes from Germany. The practice of careful gin production is shown in detail. Distilling techniques cultivated over the last 100 years, since the company was founded. And what should not be missing, the pleasure – the tasting of the first craft gin from Hiroshima. The only requirement: accompaniment by an interpreter. Address: 1-12-1 Sakurao Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, 738-8602 Japan.
News from the distillery
Single malt whisky: Hiroshima’s first single malt whisky is intended to allow the production and development of a single malt in its first three years of life to be experienced before its debut in 2021.
About Bremer Spirituosen Contor
Bremer Spirituosen Contor GmbH was founded in 1994 as a subsidiary of GES Großeinkaufsring des Süßwaren- und Getränkehandels e. g.. As an intermediary trader of spirits, champagne, sparkling wine and wine as well as a general importer of international premium spirits in Germany, the company employs around 100 people at its headquarters in Bremen. In 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Bremer Spirituosen Contor was awarded “Importer of the Year” at the International Spirits Competition (ISW) for its exclusive brands.
