Awayuki is a premium Japanese strawberry-flavored gin that combines rare strawberries from Nara Prefecture with classic gin botanicals to create something fragrant, fruity, and spring-like. The strawberry flavor shines through cleanly without overwhelming the gin base; its smooth enough to sip and pretty great in lighter cocktails, especially those that let the berry and juniper notes interplay.

Key Details & Origin

Spec Detail Brand / Producer Awayuki Gin, by Iconic Spirits (Japan) / in partnership with farms in Nara Prefecture. Country Japan (Nara Prefecture) Base Spirit 100% grain-distilled gin. Strawberries Used Rare varieties grown in Nara: Awayuki, White Pearl, and Kotoka strawberries pink, white, and red types. Strawberry Sourcing From farms licensed for these varieties; often using berries that are not perfect for aesthetic sale but excellent in flavor. Large per-batch usage (~300 lbs) to infuse flavor. ABV / Proof 44% ABV (which is 88 proof) in many listings.

Tasting & Flavor Profile

Sense Notes Appearance / Color Clear. No pink hue despite the fruit, so it looks like a classic gin until you nose it. Nose / Aroma Opens with fresh strawberry aroma (ripe, juicy), underlaid with juniper and some citrus; theres also a light floral whisper. Palate / Taste Sweet strawberries come forward, but not candy-sweet; balanced by classic gin botanicals (juniper, earthy tones) and a citrus lift. The sweetness is gently restrained so the gin base is still clearly present. Finish Smooth and clean, with strawberry lingering moderately; some herbal / juniper / botanical notes persist. Not harsh.

What Makes Awayuki Stand Out

• The use of rare strawberry varieties (pink, white, red) from a small region (Nara) gives it a distinctive flavor and story.

• Large quantity of real fruit usage (including berries that are imperfect in appearance) means flavor is more authentic than artificial flavoring.

• Balancing fruitiness with botanical / juniper backbone rather than letting the strawberry dominate wholly.

• Good value relative to many premium flavored gins.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways to enjoy Awayuki Strawberry Gin:

• Neat / On large ice cube to appreciate aroma and flavor without dilution.

• Strawberry Gin & Tonic use high-quality tonic, garnish with fresh strawberry or even a sprig of mint; keep it light to let strawberry shine.

• Gin Fizz or Gin Spritz lemon or lime juice plus soda to balance sweetness and add lift.

• Cocktail idea: Bees Knees gin, lemon juice, minimal honey syrup; the strawberry inflection can make it special.

• Dessert pairing: berry desserts, strawberry shortcake, panna cotta with berry coulis, or anything with cream and fruit.