The Alembic Ōno Distillery, winner of the double highest gold awards at the three major spirits competitions, releases a 1st anniversary commemorative bottle. The barrel-aged series is also being added to the product lineup!

To commemorate the one-year anniversary since its production began in August 2022, the Alembic Ōno Distillery is proud to introduce the "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN Azure Strength." This product is a bottling of the classic "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN" recipe as a "Navy Strength Gin," a term used for spirits with a high alcohol content, typically 57% ABV. Unlike the typical alcohol content of regular gins, which usually ranges from 40% to 47%, Navy Strength gins originated from the British Royal Navy in the 18th to early 19th century and are set at a higher alcohol content, typically around 57% to 58% (110 proof or higher). The higher alcohol content allows for a richer infusion of essential oils, resulting in a stronger flavor profile. This distinct character also shines through in cocktail creations.

The naming and label design draw inspiration from the Navy Blue uniform of the British Navy and the familiar Kaga traditional color, "群青" (azure blue), which was favored by the Maeda family and is well-known in Kanazawa among merchants and teahouses.

◉ About "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN Azure Strength":

This term refers to high-alcohol-content gins in the world of distilled spirits. While typical gins have an alcohol content of around 40-47%, Navy Strength gins, believed to have originated from the British Navy in the 18th to 19th centuries, have a higher alcohol content, usually between 57% and 58% (110 proof or higher). The higher alcohol content allows for a greater infusion of essential oils, resulting in a pronounced flavor profile. This uniqueness enhances the character of cocktails as well.

The naming and label design draw inspiration from the Navy Blue uniform of the British Navy and the azure blue color, "群青" (gunjōiro), a traditional Kaga color that is deeply familiar in Kanazawa and was favored by the Maeda family.

◉ Botanicals:

Juniper Berry, Coriander Seed, Cacao Nibs, Fresh Lemon Peel, Orange Peel, Clove, Angelica Root, Cassia. (Clove sourced from Hakusan foothills, Lemon from Hiroshima Kubi)

◉ Distillation Water and Dilution Water: Subterranean Water from Mount Shirayama

Volume: 500ml / ABV: 57%

Limited Quantity: 800 bottles

Sales Method: Pre-orders available exclusively through the official online shop

Official Online Shop URL: https://alembic.stores.jp

Pre-order Period: Starting from August 8, 2023

Estimated Delivery: Late September 2023

Reference Price: ¥6,500 (including tax)

Barrel-Aged Series "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN Barreled 2023": Pre-orders start in September 2023

At the Alembic Ōno Distillery, we are excited to launch the "Barrel-Aged Series" for "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN." As the inaugural product in this series, we will be offering the "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN Barreled 2023," which has been matured in Portuguese Madeira wine barrels. Pre-orders for this limited release of 500 bottles will begin on August 8, 2023. After approximately six months of aging, this product is anticipated to be ready in spring 2024. Using the base of the classic "Alembic Gin HACHIBAN," this spirit will be enveloped in the sweet barrel essence of Madeira wine, enhancing its fresh flavor. Barrel aging is still relatively uncommon for gin in Japan, but it allows for a diverse range of expressions and enjoyment methods.

Furthermore, we are striving to develop original barrels using wood from Ishikawa Prefecture, expressing the local terroir through distillation alongside the use of Mount Shirayama spring water and local botanicals. The barrel aging process will be shared through official social media channels, so please look forward to it.

• Volume: 500ml / ABV: 48%
• Cask Type: Madeira Wine Cask (French Oak)
• Limited Quantity: 500 bottles
• Sales Method: Pre-orders available exclusively through the official online shop
• Official Online Shop URL: https://alembic.stores.jp
• Pre-order Period: Starting from September 1, 2023
• Estimated Delivery: Spring 2024
• Estimated Reference Price: ¥8,800 (including tax)

◉ Barrel Aging Details:

• Barrel Material: French Oak
• Aging Duration: After being used as wine aging barrels for 4-5 years, the casks were further employed for 2 years in the maturation of sweet Madeira wine.

◉ About Madeira Wine:

Madeira wine is characterized by its rich and full-bodied sweetness, primarily crafted from Malvasia white grapes with a mix of several black grape varieties. It is a fortified wine produced in the Madeira Islands of Portugal.

・Awarded Highest Gold Medal at International Spirits Competitions

In less than a year since its production commenced, Alembic Gin HACHIBAN has achieved remarkable success on the global stage. At the "International Wine and Spirit Competition 2023," one of the world's three major spirits competitions, it was honored with the highest accolade in the Contemporary Gin category, receiving the "Trophy." Similarly, at the "San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023," it was awarded the esteemed "Double Gold" distinction.

・About Alembic Ōno Distillery

Alembic Ono Distillery, established in 2019 in Ono Town, a hub for fermented foods with a lingering history of Kitamae ships and a landscape adorned with soy sauce and miso storehouses, began its distillation operations in August 2022 after a three-year preparation period.

The mission of Alembic is to create gins that harmonize with and enhance the culinary experience. Drawing inspiration from Kanazawa's rich food culture woven by nature and tradition, Alembic aims to deliver spirits that are uniquely Kanazawa to people around the world.

・Overview of Alembic Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Alembic Co., Ltd. Location: 4-chome Ha17, Ono-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa 920-0331, Japan Representative: Toshihiko Nakagawa, CEO Established: June 2019 Business Activities: Production and sale of distilled spirits, as well as operation of retail establishments.