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Ukiyo launches in Norway and Sweden

Kirker Greer Spirits has gained listings with two leading distributors in Norway and Sweden for Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo.

Ukiyo
The range clocks in at 40% ABV

Japanese vodka and gin brand Ukiyo is further expanding its global presence, having recently launched in Australia with drinks retailer Dan Murphy’s.

John Soden, chief commercial officer of Kirker Greer Spirits, said: “We are seeing exceptional growth and success with Ukiyo in international markets, such as Australia, Germany and the Netherlands, and we look forward to continuing to build on that success with our partners in Norway and Sweden.

“We believe that the brand will be a great hit with Nordic consumers, due to the spirit’s unique flavour profiles and visually striking bottle design.”

The brand’s gins comprise the Ukiyo Blossom Gin and Uikiyo Yuzu Gin, crafted on Japan’s Kyushu Island.

To make the gin, locally sourced grains are distilled into shōchū, before it is redistilled with botanicals including juniper, mandarin and spices. Then, sakura flowers (cherry blossoms) and yuzu are added for a hint of fragrance and zest.

Meanwhile, Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka is produced on the tropical island of Okinawa. Long-grain indica rice is harvested, then inoculated with fermented black kōji, a fungus that prevents the growth of bacteria during the brewing of the spirit.

Black kōji is also used to produce shōchū and awamori, and gives it a slightly sweet, mellow taste. The liquid is then distilled into awamori, then redistilled into Ukiyo’s pure rice vodka.

Both spirits are bottled at 40% ABV.

Last month, the brand marked Hanami, a festival celebrating of the blooming of cherry blossom in Japan’s parks and countryside, with bespoke cocktails made with its gin.

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