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Japanese gins are renowned around the world for their exquisite craftsmanship and restrained flavor. However, if you’re not familiar with Japanese gins, it can become quite confusing to pick the one that suits you the best. Worry not, unsobered is here to help! Here are 5 Japanese gins to try in Mumbai. These are five Japanese gins that are smooth in flavor, made with the finest ingredients, and are a symbol of authentic Japanese craftsmanship. Let’s get started!
Japanese gin stands out from the rest of the gins due to its distinct use of locally sourced Japanese botanicals. These botanicals mainly include - yuzu, sakura, sansho pepper, and green tea, among others.
While most gins use a neutral grain spirit, many Japanese gins opt for a rice spirit base. This imparts a unique flavor profile to these gins not found in the gins in other parts of the world.
Most Japanese gins, due to the use of the above-mentioned botanicals, have a more delicate, floral, and citrus-forward flavor compared to the western gins that are more juniper-forward. These factors combined make Japanese gins different from the gins made anywhere else in the world.
Also Read: Best Indian Gin Under INR 2000 (2026): Craft Quality Without The Craft Price Tag
For the first Japanese gin, we have Tenjaku Gin. It stands out for its attractive blue packaging containing Japanese symbols and art. However, beyond the attractive packaging, it packs a punch with ten botanicals, including sansho peppers, green tea, and yuzu.
This gin combines a distillation that combines western botanicals with a distinct Japanese essence. Together these flavors create a delicious gin that tempts you to keep sipping. Prepare for a burst of flavors on your palate, dominated by juniper and followed by notes of sansho pepper, angelica root, yuzu, peach juice, green tea, and more.
Price: INR 3,500 for 700 ml
The word ‘Roku’ in Roku Gin translates to the number ‘six’ in Japanese. This is because each bottle of this Japanese gin contains a unique blend of six Japanese botanicals. These include sakura blossoms, sansho peppers, gyokuro tea, yuzu, sakura flower, and sencha tea.
This exquisite gin has a clear color. On the nose, it has a floral and sweet aroma of cherry blossom and green tea. The mouthfeel of the gin is soft, velvety, and smooth. It ends with a crisp finish with a spicy kick from the sansho peppers.
Price: INR 5,270 for 700 ml
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Roku Gin, mentioned above, packs a more wholesome flavor of six unique botanicals. However, the Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition focuses more on the essence of sakura in its flavor profile. Expect a soft, smooth, and mellow drinking experience in each sip. The gin is subtle, sweet, and richly elegant.
With the nostalgic hint of the sakura mochi, a traditional sweet of the season, it offers a sweet and soft mouthfeel. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this bottle is the perfect way to experience Japan’s cherry blossoms in a bottle!
Price: INR 5,310 for 700 ml
The next Japanese gin to try in Mumbai stands out for its elegant cherry blossoms on the bottle and soft pink hue. Akori Gin Cherry Blossom is made from a rice spirit base and includes botanicals such as cherry blossom, ginger, and citrus.
Akori Gin Cherry Blossom captures your attention with its elegant pink hue. Pour and take in the aroma of the gin – packed with slightly spicy and soft floral notes. On the palate, it has a rich and balanced taste with a pleasant mouthfeel. Fruity and gently spicy notes dominate the palate, leaving you wanting more.
Price: INR 6,500 for 700 ml
Ki No Bi translates to the ‘beauty of the seasons’ in Japanese. This elegant Japanese gin is inspired by the traditions of Kyoto, made in a recognizably dry style. It includes a bunch of Japanese botanicals such as yellow yuzu, green sansho berries, bamboo, and Akamatsu wood chips among others.
With a rice spirit base, it has a fresh yuzu aroma on the nose. On the palate, the juniper complements and showcases the essence of other Japanese botanicals. The gin ends with a warm and spicy finish with a hint of gyokuro tea, thanks to the ginger root.
Price: INR 7,500 for 750 ml
Japanese gins stand out for their delicate flavor, rich mouthfeel, and exquisite craftsmanship reflecting Japanese traditions. Often using locally sourced ingredients, these gins have a distinct taste compared to other gins. In this list, we’ve mentioned five such Japanese gins you must try in Mumbai.
