Miyako Gin - Taragawa Distillery

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 47% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Miyako Gin brings together Miyakojima's awamori tradition and a spicy gin recipe. Taragawa awamori provides the alcoholic base. Juniper, cardamom, cinnamon, lemon peel and black pepper are complemented by kokuto, Okinawa's dark cane sugar. The island's mineral-rich water contributes to the soft mouthfeel.

Production includes an extended resting period at a low temperature in a dark room. Taragawa uses this storage period to develop the gin's aroma and depth of flavour. Miyako Gin was launched on 12 October 2022 as the company's first craft gin. This bottling contains 0.7 litres at 47% alcohol and comes in gift packaging.

Spice notes sit alongside fresh citrus hints and restrained sweetness. Drinking it neat or over ice allows this contrast to come through directly. A neutral dry or Indian tonic suits a gin and tonic; the gin can also be enjoyed with soda water.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals lively citrus notes with cardamom and cinnamon. Juniper remains a subtle hint in the background.
• Palate: On the palate, pronounced black pepper and intense spice notes meet mellow caramel sweetness. The gin is bold and full-bodied, with juniper also clearly discernible.
• Finish: The long finish stays spicy and fresh. Cardamom and cinnamon linger, with black pepper and a sweet note also remaining. A gentle balsamic hint complements the dry spice.

Distillery/Bottler:

Taragawa was founded in March 1948 in Sunagawa on Miyakojima, at a site with abundant groundwater reserves. The island belongs to Japan's Okinawa Prefecture. Its porous Ryukyu limestone naturally filters rainwater; the resulting mineral-rich water plays an important role in spirit production.

Rooted in awamori production, the company has gradually expanded its range. Taragawa expanded its spirits production facility in 2019, followed by Makugan rum in 2020 and its first gin in 2022. Miyako Gin maintains the connection to the company's original speciality: its own awamori forms the base of the recipe.

Facts: