424 Export Japanese Craft Gin

424 Export Japanese Craft Gin is what happens when meticulous Japanese craftsmanship meets modern cocktail culture. At its core is a base of rice and sweet potato shochu, a nod to Kagoshima’s long history with this traditional spirit. That base is triple-distilled, giving the gin impressive clarity of flavor while preserving a lush, almost creamy texture that sets it apart from standard grain-based gins.

From there, Wakashio Distillery layers in a thoughtful mix of botanicals. Classic gin elements, juniper, orris root, angelica root, and coriander, provide structure and familiarity. Then come distinctly Japanese touches: locally grown cucumbers, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, green tea, and shiso leaves sourced from the Osumi Peninsula. Together, they create an aromatic profile that moves from gentle anise and spice on the nose, through citrus and soft florals on the mid-palate, into a lingering finish with hints of lychee, pink peppercorn, and raspberry. 

A key part of 424 Export’s personality comes from its unusual cedar pot still, bound with braided bamboo rather than metal hoops. This handcrafted still, used to re-distill the sweet potato shochu and botanicals, contributes to the gin’s rounded, almost waxy mouthfeel and its seamless integration of flavors. It’s a small-batch, hands-on approach that mirrors the best of Japanese artisanal production. 

At 47% ABV, 424 Export Japanese Craft Gin is built for serious mixing. That higher proof lets its character hold steady in spirit-forward cocktails: try it in a dry martini, a White Negroni, or a simple gin and soda with a twist of citrus. It’s equally compelling served over a large ice cube, where the texture and layered botanicals can fully unfold. A 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast underscores its quality and puts it firmly in the “enthusiast-worthy” category for home bars and professional programs alike.

Whether you’re a gin collector, a cocktail lover, or simply looking to explore Japanese spirits beyond whisky, 424 Export delivers a distinctive, versatile bottle that is both deeply rooted in place and refreshingly original in the glass.