[Blog/Stewed Mist] Discover the joys of craft gin, which is not often found in popular bars.

Learn about the appeal of craft gin

We start with bottled beer, hoppy, chu-hi, sake, and sometimes highballs or shochu with hot water. Sometimes highballs and shochu with hot water. At izakaya (Japanese style pubs), we usually drink something like this. The other day, however, I came across a craft gin from a distillery in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, which broadened my horizons.

Visit Japan's largest whiskey and gin tasting festival

which was held in Yokohama.WHISKY & SPIRITS FESTIVAL 2024 in YOKOHAMAI happened to go to an all-Japanese event called "Whiskey & Gin" and found a wide range of Japanese whiskeys and gins, from major makers to small distilleries.

The history of Japanese whiskey is now 100 years old and the market is recognized worldwide, but the distilleries that will support Japanese whiskey and gin for the next 100 years are gathered here. It has become something to look forward to!

Attraction of Craft Gin

The combination of ingredients known as botanicals determines the flavor of gin, and it is the natural gifts of the land, such as trees, leaves, and fruits, that give it its character. With each sip you drink, you can feel the story of the producing region and the landscape. Just thinking about it is exciting!

Meet Nozawa Onsen Distillery's Gin

One of the most shocking gins we encountered was a craft gin from Nozawa Onsen in northern Nagano Prefecture. The lineup includes five types of gin made with water, rice, and botanicals nurtured in the rich natural environment. Nozawa Onsen Distillery is a newcomer that has only been in business for a year or so, but the booth was crowded with people who were eager to try the craft gin produced by the charismatic Mr. Motoki, who is known for his work in the field of Western-style spirits.

5 types of gin

Four standard types and one limited edition were available for tasting at the booth, and as an amateur gin drinker, I took a sip straight from the bottle for now. Let's see.

Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus)

The jacket is navy blue, but it is the signature model of the red ranger-like presence. The cedar, chrome, and oyster mushrooms give it an exhilarating feel like you're chilling in the woods. Likes!

Classic Dry Gin

It is a dry and spicy Japanese style with a strong hint of sansho (Japanese pepper). It has a high alcohol content and a punch that would go well with soda, making it a "top-shelf" type that is exactly what sake drinkers are looking for. I like this one too!

iodine

The overall flavor is fruity with botanicals of cherry leaves, apple trees, and plums. The aroma of sakura mochi (cherry blossom cake) fills the mouth with a melancholy individuality that Japanese people will feel nostalgic for. It's a lot of fun!

sisodine

It has a slight reddish color in appearance, and as the name suggests, you can smell the fresh aroma of shiso the moment you drink it. It seems to show its potential even with hot water. Impressive!

dodine

This limited-edition product is a characterization of the Dosojin Festival, one of the three major fire festivals in Japan, held in Nozawa Onsen. The smoky and spicy aroma of smoked beech wood used in the festival, other peppers, and hojicha (roasted green tea) push in layers and layers of complexity. It's so deep!

the end

All of the zines were unique and all could be the star of the show.

Unlike whiskey, gin does not need to be aged for a long time, making it easy to express one's individuality. Going to a local bar and drinking local sake is one of the best parts of a bar, but if craft gin becomes a common sight at bars in the future, I'm sure I'll end up ordering it. It seems like it would go well with stew!

Nozawa Onsen Distillery Nozawa Onsen Distillery Nozawa Onsen Distillery Nagano Prefecture, Japan NOZAWA GIN CLASSIC DRY GIN IWAI GIN SHISO GIN SFWSC 2023 Gold Award Winner Gin Spirits Long S Price: 19,140 yen（tax included, free shipping) (as of 2/17/2024)