Selfridges Introduces Japanese Gin

Selfridges will be launching the first ever Japanese Gin made using Japanese botanicals – in time for the start of the blossom season in March 2014.

The Gin is distilled, blended and bottled at The Cambridge Distillery in England, producers of some of the world’s most highly sought after gins and distillers to the world’s best restaurants.

Will Lowe, Master Distiller and co-owner of The Cambridge Distillery comments:

“Japanese botanicals are so distinct in smell and flavour, it was a delight to experiment with balancing the various elements to create a unique flavour profile. Gin is the world’s 4th most popular spirit, so a hugely popular drink across the world. We decided to blend the ubiquitous juniper notes with exclusively Japanese botanicals to create what we believe is the world’s first Japanese Gin. It’s London meets Tokyo, in a gin.”

The Japanese Gin is made using Juniper, plus a range of Japanese botanicals including Yuzu Peel, Shiso leaf, Sansho pepper, Sesame seeds and Cucumber.

All botanicals distilled in by hand at cold temperatures and in super small batches under vacuum. Each bottle is individually screen printed by hand.

Dawn Davies, Selfridges Wine and Spirits buyer comments:

“I love working with boundary pushing producers and Will is no exception. We are very excited to be working once again with The Cambridge Distillery to launch the world’s first Japanese  gin, using exclusively Japanese botanicals supporting the juniper.  Over the last few years we have seen the interest in Japanese drinks and food increase in the UK.  The flavours now so popular, like Yuzu and Sesame, are now reflected in this delicate and elegant gin. Fresh notes of Yuzu and Shiso are set off against a rich spiciness of sansho and sesame, there is a real sense of Umami on the palate.  This is perfect for a ‘Japantini’!

Sales of Sake and Japanese spirits have seen a resurgence, with Selfridges seeing a 75% uplift on the year, and gin sales have seen a 44% increase indicating Japanese drinks are, and continue to be a huge trend.

Japanese Gin will be available in Selfridges, along with selected high quality Japanese restaurants, by early March – the beginning of Blossom season.

It is priced at £59.99 per 700 ml and £16.99 for 100ml available online at selfridges.com and in all stores.

  Alcohol, Beverage, Japanese Gin, Product Launch, Selfridges, The Cambridge Distillery, UK