Crafted from Iwate-grown apples and yuzu, this fruit liqueur is already a delicious cocktail just served over ice. The artistic owl label makes it as pleasing to the eye as it is to drink. But why the owl? Here’s the story behind the artwork…

The label features a piece titled “Forest Family: Hope 02,” created by Japanese artist Asuka Tazaki, who has lived with cerebral palsy since childhood. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Tazaki miraculously survived, though most of his familiar neighborhood was lost, along with nearly 200 treasured artworks. Deeply affected, he was unable to paint for a time. As the pain faded with time, he eventually returned to art, painting owls—symbols of happiness—in hopes of bringing smiles to those around him.

Kanesaki Herb Distillery also hopes this yuzu apple liqueur (and its charming owls) can add a little happiness to your life.

Open the bottle and you’re greeted by a fresh, slightly honeyed yuzu aroma. On the palate, the rich flavor of apple takes center stage, with a somewhat full body, honey-like sweetness, and a gentle yuzu peel bitterness in the finish. There’s also a subtle hint of woody character lingering at the end. The 15% alcohol is present but mellow, making this a liqueur you’ll want to keep sipping.

Served neat, it’s a layered, sweet fruit liqueur. Add soda water at a 1:4 ratio and it transforms into a refreshing summer spritz. The sweetness becomes moderate to low, yuzu takes the spotlight, and apple and honey support from the background, with that memorable woody note still on the finish. The result is crisp, refreshing, and deeply enjoyable.

Kanesaki Herb Distillery in Iwate is relatively young (established just over four years ago), but they’re already creating one interesting product after another. “Morino Family” stands out for its vision, flavor, and label art—all top-notch.