Japanese vodka and gin producer Ukiyo has secured a listing with drinks retailer Dan Murphy’s, with its Ukiyo’s Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin, and Rice Vodka to be distributed across Australia. John Soden, chief commercial officer of Kirker Greer Spirits, said: “There has been a huge demand for Ukiyo Spirits across the globe, and we are delighted to secure another distribution partnership in the APAC region, having launched in Australia and Singapore last year.

This cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services. Know your Bourdeaux from your Burgundy? Then you’ll also be familiar with Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchants Berry Bros & Rudd, aka the brains behind this bottle. The result is said to be a balanced spirit, celebrating Japan’s ‘bounty of blossom’. The liquid is recommended served in a gin and tonic, or in a Spritz. Gin is now available in every fruit combination imaginable, but we love the sophisticated flavour of olive leaf, which Australian gin maker Four Pillars uses at the centre of its bottle.It’s exceptionally complex, with a soft whisky-like touch thanks to the precise 71 nights it spends in three different oak casks. The botanicals are next level, including a rare cactus that flowers for just one night a year. With so much going on, you’d be a fool to add tonic, so sip this one neat before heading out for the night. The gins were crafted on Japan’s Kyushu Island, with locally sourced grains distilled into shōchū. The shōchū is then infused with botanicals including juniper, mandarin and spices.

The Hanami festival is a celebration of the blooming of cherry blossom in Japan’s parks and countryside, traditionally held in Spring.

And as part of our Newcomer Bursary Award, the possibility to win a year’s worth of marketing and event support in 2024 with The Gin To My Tonic (all costs covered).

The result sings of spring, with an intriguing floral bouquet led by elderflower, rose and lemon balm. Pair it with lemon juice, soda, mint and cucumber wheels for a refreshing spritz to welcome the warmer weather.The result is bright, clean and punchy. If there’s only one hand-blown bottle on your drinks trolley, make it this one. With an abundance of choice when it comes to flavourings, expect some unique and inspiring entries in this category. The LIVE virtual tastings are carried out in the last week of the month. Please keep an eye on our socials for confirmed dates! This coveted award will be shortlisted to eight finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences. THE JUDGING CRITERIA The Ukiyo Rice Vodka was launched in December last year, and was crafted on the tropical island of Okinawa. It was produced in a distillery that makes the local rice spirit awamori, a liquid indigenous to Okinawa.