Event Report: GINfest Tokyo 2018

GINfest Tokyo was held for the first time ever this year out at Tennoz Isle! Over this past weekend, around 3500 gin lovers made their way to the event, which featured around 100 different types of gin from both within and outside of Japan.

While entry to the event was free, samples weren’t, but still a very affordable 100 yen. My efforts were focused on the handful of Japanese gins that I hadn’t tried yet. In fact, almost all Japanese craft gins were represented at the event. Even Benizakura, for example, which released their new gin (only in Hokkaido) just a few weeks ago. So compared to the turnout by Japanese craft whisky distilleries at this year’s Tokyo BarShow, this was pretty amazing. There were a few surprises too, with some unannounced/unreleased gins made available by some of the domestic players.

The gin & tonic bar also took an interesting approach: grab a bottle from the collection, get in line, choose your tonic, and they’ll make it for you! It’s hard to imagine a setup like this working anywhere in the world besides Japan.

2018 is turning out to be another great year for Japanese craft gin. See you in a few short weeks at Gin Live Tokyo!

Okinawa’s Mizuho craft gin. Both Fresh and Tropical versions were available

Craft Gin Juju. The red label bottles in the middle are Craft Gin Juju’s umeshu-based edition, coming soon

Hiding amongst the overseas gins was 9148 from Sapporo’s Benizakura Distillery. It’s not sold in Tokyo yet, so of course I had to try it

Hinata is another new gin from Kyoya Distillery, already known for Yuzugin.

“we’re all connected by juniper” was the event slogan

Akayane’s booth featured their recently announced “Haru” release. The summer seasonal release is coming soon as well.

9148 at the gin & tonic bar

Choose your bottle, line up at the bar, and get your gin & tonic!

Jinjin Gin is a completely new Kuma shochu-based gin

Whiskey Richard

Hi there! I created and run nomunication.jp. I’ve lived in Tokyo since 2008, and I am a certified Shochu Kikisake-shi/Shochu Sommelier (焼酎唎酒師), Cocktail Professor (カクテル検定１級), and I hold Whisky Kentei Levels 3 and JW (ウイスキー検定３級・JW級). I also sit on the Executive Committees for the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition and Japanese Whisky Day. Click here for more details about me and this site. Kampai!