Etsu Yuzu Japanese Gin
Etsu Yuzu Japanese Gin is a 43% ABV, 750mL gin from Asahikawa Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan, built around yuzu — the bright, tart Japanese citrus — with lemon peel, coriander, juniper, sansho pepper, licorice and angelica. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Where Etsu Orange goes bitter and deep, Etsu Yuzu goes bright and high: fresh yuzu tartness and lemon-peel brightness lead, with sansho's tingling spice and a clean juniper core underneath. It is the sunnier of the two Hokkaido expressions — distilled in pot stills with Hokkaido spring water, in Asahikawa Distillery's signature style.
Tasting profile: fresh yuzu and lemon peel at the front, a tart citrus lift through the palate, then coriander, sansho spice and juniper rounding into a clean, dry close. Browse the Etsu brand collection, more gin, and the full spirits collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Serving note: a yuzu-led Gin & Tonic needs nothing more than a lemon twist; it also shines in a Gimlet, where the citrus doubles down.
How is Etsu Yuzu different from Etsu Orange? Yuzu emphasises fresh yuzu tartness and lemon-peel brightness; Orange emphasises Japanese bitter orange's bitter-sweet depth. Same distillery, same 43% ABV.
Where is Etsu made? Asahikawa Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan.
What does it taste like? Bright yuzu tartness and lemon peel over coriander, sansho spice and juniper, with a clean, dry finish.
What is the ABV and size? 43% ABV, 750mL.