Hinomaru Craft Gin
Hinomaru Gin Craft (also known as Kura-Fudo) is a premium Japanese gin produced by the historic Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture. With a heritage in sake brewing dating back to 1823, Kiuchi is world-renowned for its Hitachino Nest Beer and more recently its Hinomaru Whisky. This gin represents a fusion of traditional fermentation and modern distillation; it is unique for using a rice shochu (Junmai) base that is gently aged in cedar barrels (the same wood used for traditional sake vats) before being infused with 12 carefully selected botanicals.
Spirit Description
The gin is crystal clear but possesses a notably velvety, oily texture—a hallmark of its aged rice spirit base. On the nose, it is a vibrant citrus explosion, moving away from the typical pine-heavy juniper profile to highlight fragrant yuzu and local Fukurai mandarins. These are supported by the floral notes of cherry blossom leaves and the earthy depth of green tea. On the palate, the entry is smooth and zesty, followed by the distinctive "electric" spice of sansho pepper. The finish is long and complex, offering refined minerality and a soft, woody undertone from the cedar barrel maturation. It is bottled at a bold 47% ABV.
Food Pairing
The citrus-forward and peppery profile of Hinomaru Gin Craft makes it a natural partner for Japanese and fusion cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with sushi and sashimi, particularly fatty fish like salmon or yellowtail, where the yuzu acidity cleanses the palate. The sansho pepper notes make it a brilliant match for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or tempura, as the spirit cuts through the richness of the fried batter. For a western pairing, try it with a creamy goat cheese or a citrus-infused panna cotta.
Hinomaru Gin Craft (also known as Kura-Fudo) is a premium Japanese gin produced by the historic Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture. With a heritage in sake brewing dating back to 1823, Kiuchi is world-renowned for its Hitachino Nest Beer and more recently its Hinomaru Whisky. This gin represents a fusion of traditional fermentation and modern distillation; it is unique for using a rice shochu (Junmai) base that is gently aged in cedar barrels (the same wood used for traditional sake vats) before being infused with 12 carefully selected botanicals.
Spirit Description
The gin is crystal clear but possesses a notably velvety, oily texture—a hallmark of its aged rice spirit base. On the nose, it is a vibrant citrus explosion, moving away from the typical pine-heavy juniper profile to highlight fragrant yuzu and local Fukurai mandarins. These are supported by the floral notes of cherry blossom leaves and the earthy depth of green tea. On the palate, the entry is smooth and zesty, followed by the distinctive "electric" spice of sansho pepper. The finish is long and complex, offering refined minerality and a soft, woody undertone from the cedar barrel maturation. It is bottled at a bold 47% ABV.
Food Pairing
The citrus-forward and peppery profile of Hinomaru Gin Craft makes it a natural partner for Japanese and fusion cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with sushi and sashimi, particularly fatty fish like salmon or yellowtail, where the yuzu acidity cleanses the palate. The sansho pepper notes make it a brilliant match for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or tempura, as the spirit cuts through the richness of the fried batter. For a western pairing, try it with a creamy goat cheese or a citrus-infused panna cotta.
Original: $61.71
-65%$61.71
$21.60Description
Hinomaru Gin Craft (also known as Kura-Fudo) is a premium Japanese gin produced by the historic Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture. With a heritage in sake brewing dating back to 1823, Kiuchi is world-renowned for its Hitachino Nest Beer and more recently its Hinomaru Whisky. This gin represents a fusion of traditional fermentation and modern distillation; it is unique for using a rice shochu (Junmai) base that is gently aged in cedar barrels (the same wood used for traditional sake vats) before being infused with 12 carefully selected botanicals.
Spirit Description
The gin is crystal clear but possesses a notably velvety, oily texture—a hallmark of its aged rice spirit base. On the nose, it is a vibrant citrus explosion, moving away from the typical pine-heavy juniper profile to highlight fragrant yuzu and local Fukurai mandarins. These are supported by the floral notes of cherry blossom leaves and the earthy depth of green tea. On the palate, the entry is smooth and zesty, followed by the distinctive "electric" spice of sansho pepper. The finish is long and complex, offering refined minerality and a soft, woody undertone from the cedar barrel maturation. It is bottled at a bold 47% ABV.
Food Pairing
The citrus-forward and peppery profile of Hinomaru Gin Craft makes it a natural partner for Japanese and fusion cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with sushi and sashimi, particularly fatty fish like salmon or yellowtail, where the yuzu acidity cleanses the palate. The sansho pepper notes make it a brilliant match for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or tempura, as the spirit cuts through the richness of the fried batter. For a western pairing, try it with a creamy goat cheese or a citrus-infused panna cotta.
