Back in 2018, the new Sakurao Distillery opened in Hiroshima. While they wait until they can produce a whisky, they’ve made a rather fabulous gin! Sakurao Japanese Dry Gin Limited Edition expression is made with 17 botanicals from the land and sea surrounding Hiroshima including Japanese juniper berries, oyster shells, wasabi and Hinoki. It makes for a pretty unique tipple.
Sakurao Gin Limited recipe consists of 17 botanicals such as juniper berry, coriander seeds and cherry blossoms, but also lime, yuzu, bitter orange, summer orange, sweet orange, Hinoki cypress peel, green tea, red shiso, green shiso, pepper leaves, ginger, or wasabi root and oyster shells.
All the ingredients are exclusively harvested in the Hiroshima region to be delicately infused in order to extract the finest aromas, the resulting liquid is then distilled in small batches. But the peculiarity of this gin comes from its still production allowing two different methods; the addition of botanicals in neutral alcohol to be distilled and the maceration of botanicals in alcohol which has been continuously distilled.
The result is very attractive with a delicate nose lime and green tea flavor, then on the palate full of complexity with spicy aromas of wasabi and juniper berries to finish in a persistent finish with accents of orange marmalade.
Sakurao Japanese Dry Gin Limited Edition Tasting Notes
Nose: Vibrant lemon and orange peels, balanced by a coastal waft and dry juniper earthiness.
Palate: Juniper moves to the fore on the palate, though the savoury elements remain integral. A kick of white pepper spiciness appears later on.
Finish: A clean, cooling finish of mint and juniper.