Remember the “flask” and “beaker” from science class? Who would have thought these nostalgic lab tools could inspire a gin? Facing Japan’s declining birthrate and fewer students, the lab equipment maker Sekiya Rika pivoted by opening a café named “Rika-shitsu Distillery” (Science Lab Distillery), serving coffee made with lab glassware. To their surprise, the concept was a hit—and it soon inspired them to create gin distilled using unique lab-inspired equipment.

Instead of simply using beakers and Bunsen burners, they engineered a one-of-a-kind still inspired by Edo-period Japanese distillation, naming it the “Tsubutsuyu Still.” The distillery is based in Tokyo’s Fukagawa district and called Fukagawa Distillery.

Their first release is “FUEKI Craft Gin,” with “FUEKI” meaning “unchanging” or “essential”—a reference to the famous haiku master Matsuo Basho’s philosophy: “unchanging essence, ever-changing style.” The botanicals include Aomori cypress, citrus, shiso, ginger, and vetiver.

On the nose, ginger’s spice blends with sweet citrus, while a fresh, forest-like dewiness lingers in the background. The palate opens with orange sweetness, followed by a gentle wave of cypress that fills the mouth, evolving into shiso and lemon notes. Enjoy it in a gin and tonic, or simply with soda water—both are delightful.