Brand
Etsu
Etsu is a Japanese gin brand created and distributed by BBC Spirits. Etsu bottles are produced in Japan (Akita distillery and other distilleries mentioned by the brand) and are characterized by a fresh aromatic profile, often focused on Japanese citrus and typical botanicals.
- Akita · Akita Prefecture · Japan
- Since 2018
- 3 products
The story
Etsu was launched as a brand project by BBC Spirits. According to the distributor/creator, the Etsu brand was created in 2018 and developed several expressions (The Original, Double Yuzu, Double Orange, Pacific Ocean Water, Sakura) aimed at the international market.
Production philosophy
The brand is inspired by Japanese craftsmanship: the pursuit of balance, use of botanicals typical of Japan and pure mountain waters to obtain elegant, refined gins that express Japanese sensitivity and tradition.
Territory
Produced in Japan; Etsu expressions mention production in Akita Prefecture (island of Honshū) and, for other references, in Japanese distilleries (e.g. Hokkaidō for some expressions). The water used comes from the Ōu mountains.
Awards and recognition
Examples of recognitions reported by the brand: Global Gin Masters - Gold 2022; Spirits Masters Asia - Gold 2021 and 2022; IWSC Gin Awards - Gold for Etsu The Original (2024).
Production method
According to the producer, the botanicals are slowly macerated for 7 days in molasses alcohol (67%), then removed: the alcohol is reduced to 30% and a single distillation is carried out without the botanicals in a copper still. The distillate comes off around 65% and is then reduced to 43% with water sourced from the Ōu mountains. The gin is not chill-filtered.
Distillation
Maceration of botanicals for 7 days in 67% alcohol, removal of botanicals, reduction of alcohol to 30% and a single distillation without botanicals in a copper pot still; final dilution with mountain water to 43%; fine mesh filtration (not chill-filtered).
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Akita
- Categories
- gin
- Japanese gin
- craft gin
- flavored gins (citrus)
- Raw materials
- molasses alcohol (cane sugar / molasses alcohol)
- mountain water (Ōu Mountains)
- juniper berries
- bitter orange peel
- coriander seeds
- liquorice root
- angelica root
- Representative products
- Etsu The Original (70 cl)
- Etsu Double Orange (70 cl)
- Etsu Double Yuzu
- Etsu Pacific Ocean Water
- Etsu Sakura
What makes it distinctive
- Brand created and distributed by BBC Spirits
- Production carried out at the Akita distillery for several expressions
- Use of water from the Ōu mountains for final dilution
- Process includes 7-day botanical maceration in molasses alcohol
- Etsu The Original has received notable medals (see awards)