#Japan #Tokyo #Ethical Spirits #NOHGA Hotel #Distiller’s CUT

NOHGA Hotel Ueno's Innovative Craft Gin: A Sustainable Masterpiece

The NOHGA Hotel Ueno, managed by Nomura Real Estate Hotels Corporation, is set to unveil a unique craft gin named "Distiller’s CUT TAITO Action with Bistro NOHGA," starting May 13, 2026. This craft gin embodies the ethos of sustainability and innovation through its creation process, which leverages the residual ginger pulp from ginger syrup previously destined for waste. This initiative reflects the collaboration between NOHGA Hotel Ueno and Ethical Spirits, a distillation startup renowned for its focus on upcycling unused materials.

Crafting Gin with a Purpose

The collaboration stems from a shared vision of both partners to create something exceptional while prioritizing ethical practices. Situated in Taito Ward's Kuramae district, Ethical Spirits specializes in distilling diverse "waste materials" into unique craft gins. The Bistro NOHGA team resonated with their sustainable philosophy, facilitating the transformation of ginger syrup residue into a one-of-a-kind spirit. The result of this collaboration is a gin that tantalizes the palate with a blend of ginger and spices, coupled with refreshing herbal undertones—a fitting beverage for the early summer season.

A Unique Experience Awaits

The name "Distiller’s CUT TAITO Action with Bistro NOHGA" highlights the innovative distillation process. The gin takes advantage of 'heads' and 'tails,' the otherwise discarded portions of the distillation, resulting in a spirit rich in character. An array of botanicals, including juniper berries, lemon peel, and ginger pulp, harmonizes to deliver a sweet, smooth taste perfect for soda or tonic mixes, ensuring its versatility in cocktails.

Craft Gin Details:

• - Name: Distiller’s CUT TAITO Action with Bistro NOHGA
• - Category: Spirits (Gin)
• - Alcohol Content: 47%
• - Ingredients: Ginger syrup residue (ginger pulp), juniper berries, lemon peel, angelica root, lemongrass, licorice, hops, spearmint, green coriander seeds, and other botanicals.
• - Price: Cocktails starting at 950 JPY (including tax)

The Vision Behind the Collaboration

With admiration for Ethical Spirits' diverse collaborative gins, the Bistro NOHGA team passionately embraced the concept of crafting their distinct gin. Observing how a previously wasted product could be transformed into a high-quality spirit was immensely gratifying. As the team learned about sustainable practices, it solidified their commitment to an ethical approach in their culinary creations.

This artisanal gin will be available primarily at Bistro NOHGA, with select offerings also at Ethical Spirits’ official store and other local venues in Taito.

Artistic Expression and Aesthetic Appeal

Accompanying the launch, the gin's label features a art piece made from approximately 3,900 recycled wine corks, crafted under the oversight of local artist Tomonori Kubo at Atelier Cork & Tip. This artistic portrayal serves to resonate with both Ethical Spirits' belief that nothing is wasted and NOHGA's dedication to community and sustainability.

A Commitment to Community

Since its inception in November 2018, NOHGA Hotel Ueno has strived to immerse visitors in local culture by partnering with traditional craftsmen and artisans. By incorporating local materials and art into its offerings, the hotel aims to enhance the visitor experience while contributing to the vitality of the community. Apart from hotel stays, the establishment hosts exhibitions and events that showcase the region’s unique charm.

NOHGA Hotel Ueno continues to celebrate partnerships with various local businesses to present curated experiences, from culinary collaborations to artistic showcases, ensuring that every guest leaves with memorable impressions of Tokyo's vibrant cultural landscape. As this craft gin debut approaches, it stands as a testament to sustainability and the beautiful synergy of tradition and innovation.

For more details about the gin and to stay updated on its launch, visit Ethical Spirits' website or NOHGA Hotel's official site.