99% of Japanese gins feature uniquely Japanese botanicals like yuzu or matcha, setting them apart from classic European styles. However, Tokyo Hachioji Distillery takes a different path, strictly following the London Dry Gin tradition and using only classic botanicals—thanks to its strong family background.

Shintaro Nakazawa, third-generation heir to “Daishin Industries,” initially pursued a dream in symphonic music in the U.S., before returning to Japan to join the family business. Upon his return, he fell in love with gin after a fateful Gin and Tonic. Determined to create his ideal gin, he sent company staff to Chicago’s renowned KOVAL Distillery for training under the CEO. Back in Tokyo’s Hachioji city, he built a stunning new distillery—its logo features not gin, but Nakazawa’s favorite instrument: the trombone.

Inspired by gin’s historical use as medicine, Nakazawa packaged “Elder Flower” in amber glass bottles as a tribute. The spirit is distilled from European corn, blended with ten botanicals including juniper, elderflower, lemon peel, coriander seed, and clove. The aim: a gin that shines both neat and in cocktails.

Neat, the nose is elegant, blending citrus peel and herbal elderflower aromas. The palate is soft, with minimal alcoholic harshness, and transitions smoothly from juniper to a lingering floral finish. If summed up in two words: supremely comfortable. There are no showy flavors here—just beautiful balance from start to finish.

The label says:
"New, but traditional. Stylish, yet appropriate. Flavorful, but smooth. Not yet world famous, but on our way."
It perfectly summarizes this understated yet impressive gin.