National Parks of JapanWater cycle in Nozawa Onsen Village and Nozawa Onsen Distillery

National Parks of Japan

Nozawa Onsen Distillery was featured in the National Parks of Japan article "The circulation of water and respect for fire: a story of coexistence passed down through the generations."

The article describes Nozawa Onsen village's coexistence with nature, guided by The North Face athlete Kono Kenji, chairman of the Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association.

Please take a look at the link below.

Water circulation in Nozawa Onsen Village

There is a water cycle in Nozawa Onsen Village.

In May, the snow melts and the trees turn lush and green. In October, the leaves begin to change color, painting the mountains orange. In early December, news of the first snowfall begins to arrive, and the mountains are covered in pure white snow.

In the midst of a rich natural environment, the beech forest that spreads across the Kaminodaira Plateau at an altitude of 1,400 meters retains the accumulated snow and rainwater.

The retained water seeps into the earth over the course of 40 to 50 years, then springs up in the villages, becoming hot springs and delicious water that supports our life.

Water is essential for distilled spirits

Good quality water is an important element for distilled alcoholic beverages such as gin and whiskey. Without good quality water, good quality alcoholic beverages cannot be produced. It is common to add water after distillation to adjust the alcohol content of distilled alcoholic beverages.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery's craft gin is made using the rich spring water of Nozawa Onsen after distillation.

Plants that grow in water that seeps into the earth

The plants used in making the gin, such as cedar, Japanese spicebush, and Japanese yew, also grow in the lush natural environment of Nozawa Onsen Village.

As the seasons change, plants grow freely and powerfully.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery's craft gin lets you taste the water and plants of Nozawa Onsen. With just one sip, you'll be able to experience the whole nature of Nozawa Onsen.

Four craft gins made by Nozawa Onsen Distillery

Now, let me introduce you to Nozawa Onsen Distillery's craft gin.

SHISO GIN

The slightly pink SHISO GIN is a perfect match of the fruity applewood and herbal red shiso flavor. SHISO GIN features the gentle sweetness of red shiso and the elegant aroma of applewood. You can enjoy a variety of cocktails with SHISO GIN as the base.

NOZAWA GIN

NOZAWA GIN lets you feel the forests of Nozawa Onsen. Kuromoji, cedar, and kakidooshi give it a fragrant aroma and refreshing taste that makes you feel like you're walking through a forest. Enjoy the clean, fragrant NOZAWA GIN straight or with soda.

IWAI GIN

IWAI GIN is reminiscent of the refreshing green season of Nozawa Onsen. It features the fruity flavors of refreshing Meyer lemon and juicy plum. It expresses the joy of harvesting vibrant fruits and plants.

We recommend tonic water to further enhance the flavor of IWAI GIN.

CLASSIC DRY GIN

This CLASSIC DRY GIN is accented with a punchy, spicy flavor of Japanese pepper. The alcohol content is kept high to create a traditional and bold flavor. The refreshing taste of Biafrancica lemon and the subtle woody, sweet aroma of orris root make this an addictive drink.

link

National Parks of Japan

https://nationalparks.goldwin.co.jp/story/joshinetsu/