"Iyokan" is a citrus varietal mainly grown in Ehime Prefecture. It’s a type of mikan, slightly more bitter than an orange but sweeter than yuzu, known for its rich fragrance. The pronunciation of "Iyokan" is similar to "ii yokan," which means "good omen" in Japanese, making it a popular gift from shrines to students wishing for luck during exam season (January–March). This high-quality liqueur from Yamajin Orchard & Herb Garden is crafted using carefully selected Iyokan!

Pour it into your glass and you’ll see generous fruit pulp settling at the bottom. The aroma is fresh and citrusy, lightly sweet with a gentle tang that instantly refreshes. On the palate, the strands of fruit pulp provide a satisfying texture, letting you savor the juiciness of the fruit. At the same time, soft, pleasant citrus notes waft through your mouth, with almost no sweetness—utterly clean and light. Swallow a big mouthful, and a subtle zest from the peel brings a lingering, soul-awakening aftertaste. It’s as fresh as it gets.

Unlike most fruit liqueurs, which simply infuse fruit or peel in a base spirit, this creation takes a different route. The iyokan fruit is peeled, then fermented with yeast and sugar before being distilled into a base spirit. This spirit is then blended with in-house iyokan juice and cordial, resulting in a liqueur that is truly packed with fruit essence!

Such a distinctive method comes naturally to Yamajin Orchard & Herb Garden, a producer unlike any other. Their parent company, Matsuyama Yushi, is a renowned skincare brand—especially known for yuzu-scented lotions. To ensure ingredient quality, they established Yamajin in Tokushima to cultivate various fruits, which is why they understand exactly how to use every part of the fruit to craft the most delicious liqueurs.