Japan, 47%
Hinata is the second release from the Kyoya distillery, located in Japan's Miyazaki prefecture. The distillery makes shochu and have now turned to gin. Hinata uses local botanicals, including mikan citrus, yuzu, hebesu citrus, spearmint, rosemary, fennel seed and black sesame, amongst others. On the nose, it has cardamom, cedar, and plenty of ginger. On the palate, the cardamom jumps right out but we also get some citrus as well, yet it keeps going piney and grassy. It doesn't have much heat at all, and remains soft on the tongue. The finish has cinnamon, which fades into minty liquorice. Use in a delicate G&T, with East Imperial Old World Tonic and Rosemary as a garnish.
