After several limited-edition releases of yuzu-based gins over the last few years, Four Pillars has launched Fresh Yuzu Gin as a permanent addition to its core range.
The distillery’s first yuzu gin came in 2017 with the Pure Kisumé Gin, launched in conjunction with Melbourne’s Kisumé restaurant, before making the Distiller Series Changing Seasons Gin with the Kyoto Distillery in 2019.
In 2020 local producers, Mountain Yuzu, from the nearby Ovens Valley, supplied Four Pillars with fresh, local yuzu, which was used to make its most distinctive Yuzu Gin, which was released as the limited-edition Rarer Dry Gin. So popular has this gin proved, and with Mountain Yuzu able to provide fresh, local Yuzu, the Fresh Yuzu Gin joins the Four Pillars core range.
Of the tasting notes, Four Pillars Co-founder and Distiller Cam Mackenzie says: “Yuzu brings amazing aromatics that are a mix of lemon, mandarin, cumquat and grapefruit – all bright and fresh citrus notes – while the addition of finger lime adds some deeper citrus character.
“We’ve also learnt a lot (from the best) in our adventures making gin with Japanese friends, so in our take on Yuzu gin, we’ve used ginger, turmeric and sencha genmaicha, a Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice, for depth of flavour.
“A canvas of strong pine-needle juniper and a bit of lemon myrtle add a touch of lemon curd.”
The Four Pillars team says: “Drink it however you like to drink your favourite gin, but for us it’s at its best in a Highball with plenty of ice, soda or light tonic and any kind of citrus garnish (best of all would be fresh yuzu, if you can find it).”
The gin, at 41.8 per cent ABV and $80 RRP, will be available from Four Pillars Gin Shops in Healesville, Victoria and Surry Hills, NSW from 31 March and rolling out into all good bottle shops throughout April.