Wabijin Damask Rose

Japanese GIN WABIGIN Damask Rose takes a portion of the spirit used for WABIGIN and finishes it with rose water made from organic, pesticide-free Damask roses grown in Kagoshima. Hombo Shuzo bottles the gin at 45% ABV and identifies the rose as Rosa damascena trigintipetala, a particularly fragrant variety. The product is made at Mars Tsunuki Distillery and offers a floral variation on the producer's Kagoshima-botanical gin.

Spicy · Floral · Herbal

The recipe includes Damask rose, juniper, coriander seed, green tea, shiso and ginger. The rose water gives the aroma its first impression, while juniper maintains the dry, resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary note associated with gin. Green tea and shiso bring a leafy herbal quality; coriander and ginger add a light spice. The rose is not merely a garnish or label reference: the producer describes it as part of the finishing process.

The nose is floral and fragrant, with rose supported by citrus-like herbal notes.

On the palate, the juniper and spices give the drink a firmer centre, while rose water leaves a rounded perfume through the finish. Green tea and shiso keep the floral character from becoming confectionary, and the 45% strength gives the gin enough structure to take a little dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary. The producer recommends it neat, over ice, with soda or in cocktails.

For the Perfect ServePerfect serveThe way the producer recommends serving the gin (glass, tonic, ratio, garnish) to show it at its best.Glossary, fill a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary glass with ice, add 4 cl of gin and 10 cl of chilled soda water and stir gently. Finish with a narrow lemon twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary and one food-grade dried rose petal. The soda keeps the rose fragrance clear without adding tonic bitterness; the lemon gives a fresh counterpoint. The same restrained measure also works over a single large cube when a more concentrated tasting is preferred.