Shiso Gin

Locally grown shiso leads this 41% gin from Nozawa Onsen Distillery, where red and green leaves give the recipe its defining character. The producer describes it as a bright, fruity and herbal gin, suitable over ice or in cocktails. Its botanical notes bring together red and green shiso with applewood and the juniper foundation of gin.

Floral · Fruity · Herbal

Red shiso lends a gentle sweetness, with herbal and anise-like aromas and a measured acidity. Green shiso contributes a cooler, mint-like freshness and a citrus-like lift. Applewood, sourced from a local orchard, has a delicate baked-apple and floral aroma. Rather than suggesting a sweet fruit liqueur, these elements give the gin a fresh leafy character with a soft orchard note.

The nose is immediately aromatic, combining green herbs with a rounded red-shiso fragrance.

On the palate, the cooler character of green shiso comes forward, followed by the gentle tang of red shiso and the soft, sweet aroma of applewood. The finish is clean, lightly minty and persistent without excessive spice. Its moderate bottling strength makes it particularly adaptable to a tall, cold drink.

For the Perfect ServePerfect serveThe way the producer recommends serving the gin (glass, tonic, ratio, garnish) to show it at its best.Glossary, follow the distillery's 3:12 gin and tonic: fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with ice, pour 3 cl of Shiso Gin and 12 cl of Fentimans Herbal Tonic Water, stir once, then add a lemon wheel and one fresh shiso leaf. The herbal tonic keeps the drink crisp and echoes the shiso; keep the garnish light so its fragrance complements rather than overwhelms the gin.

One shiso leaf with the lemon is enough; more herbs would only compete. That restraint suits the recipe: shiso already provides a layered green aroma, and applewood contributes the softer orchard note. Chilled over clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, the gin remains fresh and aromatic from the first sip through the finish.