135 East Dry Gin Hyogo

135 East Dry Gin Hyogo

• Description: 135° East Hyogo Dry Gin is a Japanese gin produced by The Kaikyō Distillery, located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It uniquely blends traditional London Dry Gin botanicals with five Japanese botanicals sourced from local farmers: yuzu, shiso leaf, sencha tea, ume (Japanese plum), and sansho pepper. A splash of distilled Akashi-Tai Junmai sake is added during the final stage, inspired by the Yonezawa family's history of sake production. The 135th meridian east longitude crosses Akashi City, hence the gin's name, symbolizing the merging of Eastern and Western cultures. It is typically bottled at 42% ABV.

• Tasting Notes:

  • Aroma: Offers a powerful floral aroma over scents of citrus fruits, particularly yuzu.
  • Palate: Features a silky and balanced feel in the mouth, combining citrus, bitter, and floral notes. The sake distillate adds a soft sweetness.
  • Finish: Ends with a warm, peppery finish from the sansho pepper, mellowed slightly by the sake.

• Awards and Ratings:

  • Awarded 93 points at the New York International Spirits Competition (year not specified).

• Summary: 135° East Hyogo Dry Gin is a distinctive Japanese gin that expertly blends the familiar profile of a London Dry Gin with unique Japanese botanicals and a touch of sake. The result is a complex and aromatic gin with prominent citrus and floral notes, a hint of sweetness, and a warm, peppery finish. It's considered a versatile gin suitable for long drinks, sophisticated cocktails, and a spicy twist on the classic Gin & Tonic.