Extreme Juniper

During a span of around 200 years, from the 17th century to the mid-19th century, Japan experienced a period known as "Sakoku," meaning "closed country," characterized by restricted foreign trade and limited interaction with the outside world. Nagasaki was the sole port open to foreign trade during this time, with Dejima, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, serving as Japan's only gateway to the Western world. As a result, Western culture introduced since ancient times became an integral part of Nagasaki's history, and its streets still bear traces of this exotic influence.

In 1812, Hendrik Doof, then head of a trading company, began producing brandy, gin, and beer, marking the inception of Japan's oldest craft gin. Fast forward to 2019, Kirishima Shuzo, located in Isahaya City, Nagasaki, revived the historic Nagasaki gin-making tradition through a soaking method, soaking triple the amount of juniper berries specified in old recipes in their own genuine…