Ever tried a gin distilled with seafood for a truly ocean-inspired savory kick? Kobe Distillery’s UMI Gin delivers a unique, briny twist with surprisingly harmonious flavors. Its deep-sea blue jellyfish-inspired label perfectly matches its marine character.

To capture the essence of Kobe as a port city, this gin uses botanicals like dried bonito (katsuobushi), local niboshi (dried baby sardines), and seaweed, alongside sudachi citrus and juniper berries. All are distilled together, resulting in an adventurous yet balanced gin experience.

Neat, UMI Gin opens with fresh orange and herbal aromas, underpinned by a subtle sea salt note, evoking a breezy seaside stroll. The palate is silky-smooth—sweet sudachi upfront, followed by umami notes from the bonito and niboshi. Juniper suppresses any fishiness, leaving a lingering herbal finish. The overall impression is gentle, clean, and genuinely reminiscent of the ocean.

Mixed with soda water (1:3), the gin becomes ultra-refreshing, the alcohol nearly undetectable, with a touch of sea salt and sweet citrus—a perfect summer drink, and a brilliant pairing with grilled skewers or hot pot. Visually striking and refreshingly original, UMI Gin is an excellent conversation starter and party staple.

Tip: Try the YAMA “Mountain” Gin from Kobe Distillery for a fun compare-and-contrast tasting experience.