～Aiming for the World’s Best Gin from Tottori Prefecture～
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership’s (hereinafter referred to as Kurayoshi Distillery, located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture) “Hakuto Premium” has achieved a long-awaited milestone by winning the Country Winner title representing Japan and Gold medal at the World Gin Awards (WGA) 2025, the world’s premier gin competition held in the United Kingdom, after their fifth attempt.
Additionally, “Hakuto” won a Bronze medal.
“Hakuto Premium” is a premium gin named after Tottori Prefecture’s white rabbit mythology, characterized by the harmony of carefully selected botanicals including Tottori Prefecture’s famous “pears” and juniper berries.
It achieves a unique flavor profile unlike any other gin, with fresh citrus aromas beautifully blending with the gentle sweetness of pears and the spicy notes of black pepper and Japanese sansho pepper.
Being selected as the Country Winner, representing the nation’s best gin, is proof that our craft gin has been recognized at a world-class level, marking a tremendous achievement and great encouragement for our company.
The Country Winner representatives from each nation will now compete for the World’s Best award.
※Results will be announced in early June
With this award as our foundation, we will continue to pursue our commitment to quality and strive to deliver beloved brands to everyone. Please continue to look forward to our offerings.
■The Commitment Behind “Hakuto Premium”
“Hakuto Premium” was created by combining Japanese essence with Western distillation techniques to bring fresh innovation to Japan’s craft gin market from Tottori Prefecture.
□Craft Gin Using “Pears”
Luxuriously uses “pears,” a representative specialty of Tottori Prefecture.
The fresh aroma and natural sweetness of pears bring unique depth and fruity flavor to the gin’s taste profile.
To preserve the delicate flavor of pears, we repeatedly reviewed the botanical blend ratios and gin production process, pursuing the optimal balance.
□Uniquely Sharp and Spicy Flavor Profile
We carefully selected fruit-based botanicals like yuzu and pears along with spice-based botanicals like Japanese sansho pepper and black pepper, blending them in exquisite balance with juniper berries.
This creates a unique flavor unlike any other gin, where fresh citrus aromas blend with pear sweetness and the sharp, spicy notes of Japanese sansho pepper and black pepper.
We made countless adjustments until finding the perfect balance, pursuing our ideal flavor profile.
While incorporating Japanese elements, we maintain the essential character of gin.
□The Journey to Product Launch
While pursuing premium gin quality, we aimed for pricing that would allow many people to enjoy it.
Balancing manufacturing efficiency with quality was not easy, but we achieved this through steady effort.
Winning the Country Winner title on our fifth attempt proves that we’ve been recognized worldwide as Japan’s finest gin.
We feel great joy that our years of challenges have finally borne fruit.
We will continue to pour our hearts into creating our one-of-a-kind gin.
■Product Information
★Country Winner/Gold
Matsui Gin “Hakuto Premium”
Suggested retail price: ¥3,600 excluding tax (¥3,960 including tax)
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 47%
Our pride premium gin named after Tottori Prefecture’s white rabbit mythology.
We enhanced the original Hakuto, which uses 9 botanicals centered on Tottori Prefecture’s famous “pears,” by adding 5 premium botanicals to create a more aromatic finish.
This masterpiece offers a taste experience different from conventional gin impressions.
Enjoy the complex flavor with spiciness and sweetness, followed by a refreshing finish.
Official EC site product page:
https://shop-matsuiwhisky.com/items/653b1a3c8fb59e000182f973
★Bronze
“Hakuto”
Suggested retail price: ¥1,360 excluding tax (¥1,496 including tax)
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 43%
The standard model of the Hakuto series.
Uses 9 botanicals centered on Tottori Prefecture’s famous “pears,” including juniper berries, coriander seed, orange peel, yuzu peel, Japanese sansho pepper, gyokuro tea, sakura, and black pepper.
This masterpiece offers fresh citrus aromas with pear sweetness and spicy notes of black pepper and Japanese sansho pepper.
Enjoy neat or in arranged cocktails according to your preference.
Official EC site product page:
https://shop-matsuiwhisky.com/items/653b1a3c8fb59e000182f971
■About World Gin Awards (WGA)
The “World Gin Awards (WGA)” is one of the most prestigious competitions in the gin industry, selecting the finest brands by style from gins worldwide.
This competition conducts rigorous judging from selecting Country Winners representing each nation to determining the World’s Best gin.
Through blind tasting (tasting without knowing the brand), judges comprehensively evaluate flavor, aroma, and balance.
The “Country Winner” title particularly represents recognition as that country’s finest gin.
Award-winning gins gain recognition from gin enthusiasts and experts worldwide for their quality and character, attracting significant attention.
Official website: https://www.worldginawards.com/
■About Kurayoshi Distillery
Kurayoshi Distillery is located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, and manufactures and sells distilled spirits including whisky.
Under the management philosophy of “bringing happiness to people through alcohol production,” we sell our “Matsui Whisky” brand with product names inspired by local areas such as “Kurayoshi,” “Tottori,” and “San’in” not only domestically in Japan but also in over 50 countries worldwide.
Never satisfied with the status quo, we predict distribution and sales 10, 20, and 30 years ahead, continuously creating new value for the world.
■Company Information
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership Kurayoshi Distillery
〒682-0934 656-1 Kamifurukawa, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture
Official website: https://matsuiwhisky.com
■Product Inquiries
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership
Please contact us by phone (06-4309-6250) or email (info@matsui-shuzo.co.jp).
※We decline all sales inquiries
■Press Release Inquiries
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership Public Relations
Please contact us by email (pr@matsui-shuzo.co.jp).
※We decline all sales emails regarding SEO, marketing, systems, etc.
