Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024 Winners
A Gin with Global Accolades: Why Wabi Sabi Gin is a Game-Changer for Your Portfolio
In an industry where authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation set brands apart, Wabi Sabi Gin is making waves across the global spirits scene

Wabi Sabi Gin isn’t just a product; with its award-winning profile, unique sustainability approach, and roots in Japanese artistry and Dutch distilling expertise, Japan’s first female spirits brand owner set out to craft a gin that is more than just another addition to the premium spirits market—it’s a true game-changer. Wakae Kihara, together with her husband Thomas Brayman—who honed his distilling skills in Holland and the UK—and Jérôme Quilbeuf—an internationally acclaimed chef—they dedicated years to perfecting a spirit that delivers depth, complexity, and balance in every sip.
This meticulous approach has paid off, earning Wabi Sabi Gin multiple international accolades, including Double Masters Medals at the Global Gin Masters competition. These awards cement its place in the ultra-premium spirits category and validate its exceptional quality, making it an easy sell for distributors looking for a gin with credibility and prestige.
The Competitive Edge: Why Importers Should Take Notice
1. A Versatile, Profitable Addition to Any Bar Program
Distributors are always on the lookout for brands that cater to evolving consumer preferences while remaining profitable for bars and retailers. Wabi Sabi Gin is designed for both efficiency and creativity.
For quick-serve environments, it excels in ultra-refreshing, simple cocktails like Gin & Soda or Oyu-Wari (a Japanese hot water and spirit blend). These serve as a perfect introduction, allowing you to experience the gin’s depth before diving into more complex mixology. And with an eye-catching label that stands out on crowded shelves, Wabi Sabi Gin ensures strong consumer engagement and repeat sales.
2. Award-Winning Craftsmanship & Distinctive Flavor Profile
Wabi Sabi Gin’s accolades are rightfully deserved for the nuanced sensory experience the gin offers. Bold layers of aroma, a long finish, and a refreshing, palate-cleansing effect, made for both sipping and cocktail innovation.
What makes it stand out? Unlike most gins that rely on citrus fruits, Wabi Sabi Gin uses organic herbs like lemon verbena and lemongrass to achieve its bright, citrusy notes. This approach not only enhances sustainability but also creates a uniquely smooth yet complex flavor that complements a wide range of cuisines—especially Japanese food and sushi.
3. A Commitment to Sustainability
Today’s consumers are more conscious than ever about how their drinks are made. Wabi Sabi Gin aligns with this shift by prioritizing eco-friendly production. The base spirit is crafted from sustainably farmed winter wheat, which requires minimal water and naturally suppresses weeds, reducing the need for chemicals. Additionally, the brand is establishing a network for distributed production to minimize unnecessary global shipping, further reducing its carbon footprint.
By offering a gin that’s both premium and sustainable, Wabi Sabi Gin gives distributors a product that aligns with modern market demands.
4. A Story That Resonates with Consumers
Consumers are drawn to brands with a compelling narrative, and Wabi Sabi Gin delivers just that. Created by a trailblazing female founder and her team in Tokyo, the gin represents a fusion of tradition and modernity.
This authenticity—combined with its commitment to quality—makes it a standout brand that resonates with today’s audience seeking genuine, high-quality spirits with a deeper story.
5. Strong Distributor & Retail Support
Wabi Sabi Gin isn’t just another product—it’s a partnership. The brand offers comprehensive support to its distribution partners, including marketing materials, brand training, and promotional activities to ensure successful market penetration.
Whenever possible, the founders or company representatives even make in-person visits to key markets, reinforcing relationships and driving awareness.
A Portfolio Worth Expanding
Wabi Sabi Gin offers a diverse product lineup that caters to different consumer preferences:
- Wabi Sabi Gin (700ml | 43% ABV): Award-winning original gin with exceptional depth and balance.
- Ichigo Ichie RTD (100ml | 20.3% ABV): A ready-to-drink cocktail blending Wabi Sabi Gin with Italian-inspired flavors, developed in collaboration with Drink Kong, a World’s Top 50 Bar (Italy).
- Wabi Sabi Sakura Gin (700ml | 40% ABV): A seasonal, limited-edition release, exclusively developed for UK Craft Gin Club’s Gin of the Month (April 2024).
Why Wabi Sabi Gin Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio
For distributors, the value of carrying a globally recognized, award-winning gin like Wabi Sabi Gin extends far beyond just adding another SKU. It’s about offering a product that’s distinctive, sustainable, and highly marketable—a gin that appeals to both premium cocktail bars and discerning home consumers alike.
With its bold flavors, exceptional craftsmanship, and strong support network, Wabi Sabi Gin is more than just a trend—it’s a lasting presence in the ultra-premium spirits space. Now is the time to seize the opportunity and introduce this extraordinary Japanese-Dutch fusion to your market.
Wabi Sabi Gin is an experience. And for distributors looking for their next great addition, it’s an experience worth investing in.