As Japanese spirits continue to captivate global audiences, Japanese gin has emerged as one of the most refined and creative expressions of the craft. At the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, several standout entries from Japan impressed the judges with their innovation, balance, and terroir-driven profiles. From Kyoto to coastal islands, these gins showcase the diversity and elegance of Japan’s distillation traditions.

A delicate and distinctive expression from one of Japan’s most revered gin producers, Ki No Tea is infused with premium green tea leaves from Uji, including gyokuro and tencha. This elegant bottling highlights the soft, earthy complexity of Japanese tea, balanced by subtle citrus and spice notes.

Fresh Craft Gin is a small-batch gin that celebrates local citrus and botanicals. This expression stood out for its clean profile and fresh, contemporary style, bringing together Japanese tradition with a distinctly modern twist.

YORI Gin draws on local botanicals and mineral-rich island water for a gin that feels deeply connected to place. It impressed judges with its briny freshness and bright citrus complexity.

The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition once again spotlighted the elegance and complexity of Japanese gin. Whether you're drawn to the tea-infused nuance of Ki No Tea, the coastal vibrancy of YORI, or the craft-focused clarity of Kyotango Mairingen, these gins are more than just spirits - they’re cultural experiences in a glass.