Ukiyo Blossom Gin

This is an interesting gin, in fact a kind of redistilled shochu as far as I can tell. The floral scent and taste (I think sakura flower) is really quite strong and won't be to everyone's taste.

What I find puzzling is multiple reviews I've seen that say this makes a good G&T - in my opinion it really doesn't. Somehow tonic water seems to emphasize the floral taste and it becomes quite a brash drink. I found it much better on its own with ice or with a little cloudy apple juice.

First of all it has to be mentioned, bottle looks exactly like pictured, 10/10 presentation.

On the nose, dominated by orange, closely followed by a slightly dry sakura scent.

As for taste, quite bitter and lots of orange. The combination of the strange, soapy sakura flavour with orange and bitter earthly spice gives it a flavour that can easily be mistaken for grapefruit.

It may be hard for some to enjoy on its own because of the bitterness, but that also makes it a fantastic mixer, especially with juices or sweet beverages, it makes a very well balanced and fragrant cocktail.

Really nice gin. Have started drinking with half Soda water and half tonic water and it is out of this world. The bottle is beautiful, so much so I have kept the empty bottle in my kitchen.