Nozawa Onsen Classic Dry Gin is another excellent offering from the Nozawa Onsen Distillery in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. While the Iwai Gin emphasizes fruity and floral notes, the Classic Dry Gin aims for a bolder and more traditional style with a distinct Japanese twist.
Key Features:
- Origin: Nozawa Onsen Village, Kita Shinshu, Japan.
- Distillate Base: Rice.
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Key Botanicals:
- Juniper: Provides the foundational dry and piney character of a classic gin.
- Sansho Pepper: A local Japanese peppercorn that adds a unique, punchy zest and a tingling sensation.
- Hiroshima Lemon: A carefully grown lemon known for its delicate citrus flavor and less bitterness, providing a refreshing top note.
- Kuromoji (Japanese Spicebush): Contributes earthy and woody notes, adding complexity.
- Other botanicals mentioned include coriander and ginger.
- Water: Made with pristine mountain spring water filtered through the earth for 50 years.
- Distillation: Distilled in traditional copper pot stills.
- ABV: Typically around 45-48%.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Bright and aromatic, with prominent lemon and fresh juniper notes leading the way. Hints of coriander and the distinct zest of sansho pepper are also present. Some detect pine and earthy undertones.
- Palate: Bold and invigorating, with a noticeable citrus-forward character from the Hiroshima lemon enhanced by the punchy sansho pepper. The juniper provides a classic gin backbone, while ginger adds a touch of warmth. The rice spirit contributes a smooth and silky mouthfeel.
- Finish: Long and dry, with the tingling warmth of sansho lingering alongside the bright citrus and a whisper of pine from the juniper.
Awards and Recognition:
Nozawa Onsen Classic Dry Gin has also received significant recognition:
- Gold at the World Gin Awards 2024.
Overall Impression:
Nozawa Onsen Classic Dry Gin is a well-crafted spirit that offers a unique and bold take on the classic dry style. The prominent citrus notes from the Hiroshima lemon, combined with the distinctive, zesty kick of local sansho pepper, create a memorable and invigorating gin. It's considered perfect for a Martini or any classic gin cocktail where its bright and spicy character can shine. The quality of the ingredients and the traditional distillation methods result in a complex and well-balanced gin that truly reflects the spirit of the Nozawa region.
