I first discovered Stilldam Gin at a Japanese spirits fair, where a spirited elderly man with white hair passionately introduced his bottles. This gentleman, Mr. Shinji Wada, started the “Kusunohana Distillery” in Saga City at age 60, after 35 years in the liquor business.

Soon after launching, the distillery was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly destroying the business. But even past retirement age, Mr. Wada persevered—and as the pandemic passed, Stilldam Gin gradually gained recognition.

This release is the 9th edition in the “Stilldam Girl” series, with each bottling limited to just 200–300 bottles. The base spirit is a rice shochu redistilled with a variety of Saga-grown botanicals, and the label is illustrated by artist Kazue Asai. With such tiny production, Stilldam Girl gins are rare even in Japan.

The main botanical for this 9th edition is “Jabara” citrus—a Japanese hybrid between yuzu and mikan, traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits. While typically grown in Wakayama, Jabara is also cultivated in Saga. Fourteen other botanicals are also used to create a multi-layered flavor profile.

On the nose, fresh citrus leads, layered with spice notes like cinnamon and anise. On the palate, bitter-sweet citrus peel is prominent, with juniper and chamomile providing depth. The finish is medium-long and supremely comfortable.

If you love complex citrus-forward gins, this rare bottling is sure to please.