Ukiyo Gin rolls out in Sainbury’s

Drinksology Kirker Greer has launched its Ukiyo Blossom Gin in UK supermarket Sainsbury’s.

Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo is expanding its presence after securing a distribution deal for its Blossom Gin with Sainsbury’s.

It will be available to purchase in-store and on the website.

John Soden, chief commercial officer of Kirker Greer Spirits, said: “We are delighted to partner with Sainsbury’s to bring this unique expression directly to the consumer in the UK.”

All Ukiyo spirits are bottled at 40% ABV.

Soden added: “Ukiyo has proven to be a huge hit with both trade customers and consumers in international markets, and we look forward to hearing the feedback from Sainsbury’s customers.”

The gins are made in Kagoshima, in the shadow of the Sakurajima volcano.

Locally-grown grains are distilled into a traditional Japanese Shōchū spirit, which is then redistilled with key botanicals, including juniper, mandarin and spice.

Drinksology Kirker Greer comprises two divisions: Kirker Greer Spirits, which owns and distributes a range of brands including Kirker Shamrock Whiskey, Ginato Italian Gin, and Jawbox Irish Gin, and a second division called Drinksology Creative, which specialises in design for alcohol brands.

Drinksology Creative has designed bars, brands, and brand homes including The Dead Rabbit, the Johnnie Walker Experience, and the Roe & Co Distillery in Dublin.

The brand recently launched in New Zealand with Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants, as well as in Dubai travel retail with Dubai Duty Free.

In April, the brand marked Japan’s Hanami festival, a celebration of the blooming of cherry blossom in Japan’s parks and countryside, with its Japanese Blossom Gin cocktails.

In other gin news, Brockmans Gin recently added ex-Pernod Ricard brand director Eric Sampers to its team, as well as new junior brand manager Helen Buchanan.