1919 Yuzu Gin Limited Edition 2024

For its 2024 seasonal release, 1919 Distilling turned to New Zealand-grown yuzu, in a limited edition bottled at 41% ABV in a 750 ml bottle. The recipe is short and focused: juniper, coriander seed, liquorice root and yuzu, the knobbly Japanese citrus prized for a perfume that sits somewhere between grapefruit, lemon and mandarin. Stock was limited, with bottles shipped from the last week of April 2024. Its 750 ml bottle is larger than the 700 ml of the distillery's Classic.

Citrus · Limited Edition

Yuzu gives the nose a fragrant, slightly floral lift that is more layered than lemon alone.

On the palate, a grapefruit-like bitterness meets a bright lemon note, while mandarin rounds the edges. Coriander seed links the citrus to the juniper with a light, peppery spice, and liquorice root adds a soft sweetness beneath the sharper peel. The finish is clean and citrus-led, with enough juniper to keep the fruit in balance. With only four botanicals, each one is easy to find, and the yuzu never has to compete for attention. Yuzu is rarely eaten fresh; its value lies in the peel and juice, which is why it suits a gin so well.

Its bright, fragrant citrus makes it a natural for a GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary or a White Lady, where the yuzu replaces part of the usual lemon. A dry MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary with a twist shows how much perfume the fruit carries, and a splash of soda makes a lighter aperitif. Neat over ice, the citrus perfume is at its most intense.

For a long drink, 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 clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary and add 4 cl of 1919 Yuzu Gin. Top with 10 cl of East Imperial Yuzu Tonic and stir gently. Express a fresh yuzu twist over the glass and add a thin grapefruit slice; the tonic extends the citrus, and the grapefruit echoes its bitter edge.