RAFT GIN FUEKI 47% 500ml
Fukagawa Distillery, located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, was established in 2023 and produces craft gin “FUEKI.” This new distillery is a collaboration between “Rikashitsu,” a local laboratory equipment specialty store, and “NICO,” a shop that sells alcohol and spices, including gin. The first release, “FUEKI,” is based on the concept of embracing the unchanging beauty while incorporating new elements, inspired by the “Fueki Ryuko” (the concept of unchanging continuity in change) discovered by the poet Matsuo Basho.
Using a traditional Tsuburo-style distiller known as the “New Tsuburo Distiller,” the gin incorporates carefully selected botanicals, including wood from the Fukagawa area (once famous for its timber), juniper berries, ginger, and other ingredients, creating a fragrant and well-balanced gin.
Ingredients (from the producer’s materials):
• Base alcohol (from Niigata)
• Juniper berries (from Macedonia)
• Vetiver (domestic)
• Citrus fruits (domestic)
• Green shiso (from Nagano Prefecture)
• Steamed ginger (from Kochi Prefecture)
• Hiba (from Aomori Prefecture)
The key botanical, Aomori Hiba (a type of cypress), adds a woody aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Japanese vetiver when enjoyed straight or on the rocks. When mixed with soda or tonic, the refreshing scent of Hiba emerges, followed by the rich botanical flavors of Lisbon lemon, shiso, and steamed ginger, making it an accessible gin for both seasoned drinkers and those new to gin.
Origin of the Name FUEKI:
“Fueki” (不易) means “unchanging” or “eternal.” The name is inspired by Matsuo Basho’s concept of “Fueki Ryuko,” which signifies embracing change while preserving the essence of tradition. This philosophy is reflected in Fukagawa’s deep-rooted culture and the innovative approach of Fukagawa Distillery in reviving the traditional Tsuburo-style distillation method.
Label Design:
The label design draws inspiration from Fukagawa’s water-splashing festival, a significant cultural event at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine. The design features a close-up of water splashes from an actual festival photo, further magnified through the liquid in the gin bottle, symbolizing the spirit of the local culture.
Front Logo:
The front logo represents the “New Tsuburo” distiller, designed by Sekiya from Rikashitsu, a laboratory equipment supplier with 90 years of history. The design incorporates hidden characters spelling “Tsuburo,” symbolizing the distillery’s dedication to merging traditional Japanese distillation techniques with modern scientific glassware.
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Region: Tokyo
• Brand: Fukagawa Distillery
• Alcohol Content: 47%
• Volume: 500 ml