135º East Japanese Artisan Gin
135º East Japanese Artisan Gin is a 42% ABV (84 proof) Japanese gin from the Kaikyo Distillery in Akashi City, Hyōgo — home of Japan's oldest whisky distilling family, the Yonezawas, who also make the Hatozaki whiskies. Eight botanicals (three classic London Dry plus five Japanese: sencha, yuzu, shiso leaf, ume, and sansho pepper) are each distilled separately in small copper stills, then finished with a touch of distilled Junmai sake. A 750mL bottle. Order Japanese gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US format)
- Distillery: Kaikyo Distillery, Akashi, Hyōgo, Japan
- Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, angelica + sencha, yuzu, shiso leaf, ume, sansho pepper
- Signature: Finished with a touch of distilled Junmai sake
Akashi's Meridian, in a Glass
The 135th meridian east — Japan's standard-time line — runs right through Akashi City, and Kaikyo Distillery built this gin around the idea. The Yonezawa family has distilled in Akashi since 1917, and master distiller Kimio Yonezawa created 135º East for the family business's centennial: five Japanese botanicals distilled individually in small copper stills via vacuum distillation, then softened with Junmai sake made from Yamada Nishiki rice. Floral citrus zest on the nose, smooth and balanced through the middle, with a spicy, peppermint-tinged finale from the sansho pepper — a gin that reads unmistakably Japanese. Explore more Hatozaki and Kaikyo spirits, browse the gin collection, or compare with Japanese whisky from the same distillery family.
Tasting Notes
Floral and bright up front — yuzu zest, shiso leaf, and delicate petals over juniper. The palate is smooth and balanced: sweet fruity notes from the ume and sencha glide into the gentle prickle of sansho pepper, with the sake finish rounding everything into a silky, lightly peppermint-laced close.
How to Enjoy
Pour a Japanese-style G&T: plenty of ice, a 1:3 gin-to-tonic ratio, and a twist of yuzu or lemon peel — the citrus botanicals bloom with tonic. It also makes a superb Martini for drinkers who want delicacy over juniper punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "135 East" mean?
The 135th meridian east passes through Akashi City, where the gin is made — it's Japan's standard-time meridian, chosen as the country's reference line in 1888.
Who makes 135º East gin?
Kaikyo Distillery (the Yonezawa family) in Akashi, Hyōgo — the same family behind Hatozaki Japanese whisky, distilling since 1917.
What are the Japanese botanicals?
Sencha green tea, yuzu, shiso leaf, ume (Japanese plum), and sansho pepper, each distilled separately in small copper stills.
A gin with a true sense of place — order 135º East Japanese Artisan Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor, with pickup or delivery across San Diego, CA.