There's something immediately intriguing about Hyogo 135 Degree East Dry Gin. The name itself is a geographical marker — 135 degrees east is the meridian that runs through Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, home to Kobe and a region with deep roots in sake brewing and spirit production. That sense of place, encoded right there on the label, sets expectations for something that bridges traditional London Dry structure with Eastern botanical sensibility.
Style & Character
Classified as a London Dry, this gin must by definition lead with juniper and contain no artificial flavourings or added sweetness post-distillation. It's a style that demands technical precision from the distiller — there's nowhere to hide. At 42% ABV, it sits just above the legal minimum for gin, which typically produces a spirit that's approachable and mixable without sacrificing aromatic intensity. That's a deliberate choice, and one I appreciate — it suggests a gin designed with versatility in mind rather than sheer potency.
What I'd Expect
Japanese craft distillers have earned a remarkable reputation for meticulous attention to detail, and many incorporate indigenous botanicals like yuzu, sansho pepper, or shiso alongside the classic juniper backbone. While the full botanical bill for Hyogo 135 hasn't been confirmed, the London Dry classification tells us the juniper will be front and centre, with supporting botanicals adding complexity and character. At £29.25, this sits in a competitive mid-range bracket where you'd rightly expect quality and craft.
Best Served
I'd reach for this in a classic Martini first — a 3:1 ratio with a quality dry vermouth, stirred long over ice until properly diluted, then strained into a chilled coupe with a twist of lemon expressed over the surface. If it carries any citrus-forward botanicals, a simple Gin & Tonic with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and a sprig of fresh shiso or basil would be a lovely way to explore it.
A solid 7.6 out of 10 — the London Dry credentials and Japanese craft pedigree make this a genuinely appealing bottle, and the price point is fair for what promises to be a thoughtfully made spirit.
