Akayane Fuyu Craft Gin

Akayane Fuyu Craft Gin is produced by Sata Souji Shoten in Kagoshima Prefecture, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Japan. The distillery is historically known for shochu production, particularly sweet potato shochu, and has applied this regional heritage to the creation of its Akayane gin series. The name Akayane refers to the red roof tiles traditionally used in the region, symbolising local identity and craftsmanship.

The Fuyu expression, meaning winter in Japanese, is conceived as a seasonal-inspired gin highlighting ingredients closely associated with Kagoshima agriculture. The botanical composition combines juniper berries with orange peel, passion fruit, sweet potato and eggplant. These ingredients reflect both local produce and the distillery’s background in working with non-traditional distillation materials. Sweet potato, in particular, is emblematic of Kagoshima and plays a structural role rather than a sweetening one.

The gin is distilled at a relatively high bottling strength of 46% alcohol by volume, allowing the aromatic components to remain clearly defined. While detailed technical specifications of the distillation process are not fully disclosed, the approach follows a craft gin methodology in which individual botanicals are carefully selected to preserve their natural aromatic characteristics.

On the nose, Akayane Fuyu Craft Gin opens with a fresh citrus impression led by orange peel, quickly followed by a softer, exotic fruit note from passion fruit. Juniper is present but not dominant, allowing the more unusual botanicals to express themselves. Subtle vegetal nuances can be perceived in the background, adding complexity.

The palate is structured and expressive, beginning with juniper and citrus before moving into a rounder mid-palate where passion fruit introduces gentle acidity. Sweet potato contributes a soft, earthy depth rather than sweetness, while eggplant adds a discreet vegetal and savory nuance. The texture is firm and warming, consistent with the higher alcohol strength, and the finish is long, leaving impressions of citrus zest, light fruitiness and herbal freshness.

Akayane Fuyu Craft Gin is well suited to a gin and tonic that highlights its citrus and exotic fruit profile, ideally with a neutral tonic and restrained garnish. It can also be explored in minimalist cocktails where its distinctive Japanese botanicals can remain clearly identifiable.