Etsu Pacific Ocean Water Japanese Gin (70cl, 45%)

A Japanese gin from the Asahikawa Distillery on Hokkaido, combining Japanese citrus aromas with a maritime profile. A small proportion of deep Pacific Ocean water is added after distillation when reducing to drinking strength, alongside water from the Taisetsu mountains, giving iodine notes, gentle saltiness and mineral freshness. The recipe includes yuzu, bitter orange, juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice. The botanicals macerate for 22 hours and remain in the charge during distillation. The gin is bottled at 45% ABV in a 0.7 litre bottle without gift packaging. On the nose there are fresh yuzu and bitter orange, with iodine notes and a sea-breeze impression. The palate is soft and balanced, with gentle saltiness, citrus aromas and mild spice, while the lasting finish is silky with mineral freshness and yuzu peel.