Tenjaku London Dry Gin 700ML

Tenjaku London Dry Gin 700ML is a Japanese London Dry style gin bottled at 43% ABV in a 700ml format, built on a distinctive dual base of grain and cane spirit. It earned 93 points at the New York International Spirits Competition, and the Tenjaku distillery received the 2022 Japanese Distillery of the Year award.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43%  |  Origin: Japan  |  Style: London Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Tenjaku  |  Base: 66% Grain / 34% Cane

Production & Heritage

Tenjaku distills this gin using a mixed base spirit composed of 66% grain and 34% sugarcane — an uncommon approach that contributes a creamy, slightly honeyed texture rarely found in standard London Dry gins. The distillate incorporates pristine water sourced from the Mount Fuji basin, prized for its natural mineral filtration through volcanic rock. Over ten traditional Western botanicals are combined with distinctly Japanese ingredients: fresh seasonal peaches from the Yamanashi region, yuzu citrus, sansho pepper, and green tea. The result is a gin that respects London Dry conventions — juniper-forward, no post-distillation flavoring — while drawing unmistakable character from its Japanese botanical selection.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A distinctive but subtle yuzu note lifts from the glass first, followed by honey and juniper. Underneath sits a creamy, unctuous richness that hints at the dual grain-and-cane base.

Taste: The palate opens slightly more spice-forward than the nose suggests, with low-volume star anise and fennel seed arriving early. Mid-palate, the juniper reasserts itself alongside green tea and the soft sweetness of Yamanashi peach. The overall impression is extremely rich yet well-balanced, with no single botanical overpowering the others.

Finish: Medium in length with a gentle warmth from sansho pepper and lingering floral-citrus notes. The cane spirit component adds a smooth, almost silky texture that carries through to the close.

How to Drink Tenjaku Gin

Neat or over a single large ice cube, Tenjaku rewards slow sipping — the yuzu and peach aromatics open up as the spirit dilutes slightly. Its balanced, juniper-forward character also makes it an exceptional mixing gin. A Gin & Tonic with a premium tonic and a thin yuzu or grapefruit peel lets the Japanese botanicals shine. A Martini showcases the creamy richness of the dual base spirit alongside dry vermouth. A Tom Collins works particularly well here, as the peach sweetness and citrus notes harmonize naturally with lemon juice and soda.

Best For

• Gifting a gin enthusiast interested in Japanese spirits
• Exploring Japanese gins beyond mainstream options like Roku
• Building a Gin & Tonic flight comparing London Dry expressions from different countries
• Hosting a cocktail evening where conversation-starting bottles are valued

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tenjaku Gin taste like? Tenjaku Gin delivers a juniper-forward profile enriched by yuzu citrus, star anise, and sansho pepper spice, with a creamy body from its blended grain-and-cane base. Fresh peach and green tea add subtle sweetness and a distinctly Japanese dimension.

How does Tenjaku Gin compare to Roku Gin? Both are Japanese London Dry gins, but Tenjaku uses a mixed grain-and-cane base spirit (66/34 split) while Roku uses a rice-based spirit and employs a multi-still distillation process across four different still types. Tenjaku tends toward a creamier, more honey-laced profile, while Roku leans into a broader floral-botanical complexity with cherry blossom and sakura leaf.

Is Tenjaku Gin good for cocktails? Its balanced juniper presence and smooth texture make it well-suited for classic cocktails like the Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Tom Collins. The Japanese botanicals add interest without overwhelming other ingredients in a mixed drink.

Where is Tenjaku Gin made? Tenjaku Gin is produced in Japan, using water sourced from the Mount Fuji basin. The distillery also incorporates fresh seasonal peaches from the Yamanashi region, located at the base of Mount Fuji.

What foods pair well with Tenjaku Gin? Sashimi and light seafood crudo complement the yuzu and green tea notes. Tempura vegetables mirror the gin's delicate spice. Soft goat cheese balances the juniper and honey character. Grilled white fish with citrus dressing echoes the peach and yuzu aromatics. Light fruit tarts work as a dessert pairing, playing off the gin's subtle stone-fruit sweetness.

What sizes does Tenjaku Gin come in? The standard format is the 700ml bottle, which is the primary size available in most markets.

Is Tenjaku Gin worth the price? Tenjaku Gin positions as a mid-premium Japanese gin, competing directly with options like Roku and Nikka Coffey Gin. Its 93-point score from the New York International Spirits Competition and the distillery's 2022 Japanese Distillery of the Year recognition support its standing as a serious, well-made expression with genuine value in its tier.

Why Tenjaku Gin?

The 66/34 grain-to-cane base spirit is genuinely unusual in the gin category and gives Tenjaku a textural richness that most London Dry gins simply lack. The use of fresh Yamanashi peaches — sourced seasonally rather than as a dried or processed botanical — adds an authentic regional fingerprint. A 93-point score from the New York International Spirits Competition confirms that this is not merely a novelty but a technically accomplished distillate. For drinkers who appreciate the Japanese approach to spirits — meticulous water selection, seasonal ingredients, and restrained balance — Tenjaku Gin delivers a London Dry expression with clear provenance and genuine character.