Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo is expanding its Australian range with the arrival of Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin.

Distilled in Chiba, east of Tokyo, the new expression puts one of Japan’s most distinctive fruits at the centre of the glass: the Nashi pear, prized for its crisp texture and refreshing sweetness.

Built on Ukiyo’s traditional rice spirit base, Nashi Pear Gin combines fresh orchard fruit with bright citrus and subtle herbal and spice notes. It is distilled with 11 botanicals including juniper, yuzu, mikan peel, bitter orange, Nashi pear, sansho pepper, matcha tea and sakura blossom.

The result is a 40% ABV gin with fresh pear and citrus on the nose, followed by juniper, orchard fruit and gentle spice on the palate, finishing smooth and rounded with the silky character of its rice spirit base.

For Australian bartenders, the expression has been designed to work across both simple and more considered serves. It can be paired with tonic and fresh pear for a Japanese take on a classic G&T, or used in cocktails such as a Nashi Pear Martini, where the gin is stirred with blanc vermouth.

Proof Drinks Australia National Field Sales Manager Cassie O’Neill said: “Bartenders are always looking for flavours guests can immediately connect with, while still giving them room to be creative. Nashi pear does exactly that: it’s fresh, bright and distinctive, with enough depth from the Japanese botanicals and rice-spirit base to inspire everything from a simple highball or spritz to a signature cocktail.”

The new release joins Ukiyo’s existing portfolio of Japanese-inspired spirits, which includes Tokyo Dry Gin, Japanese Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin and Japanese Rice Vodka.

Proof Drinks Australia Managing Director Drew Doty said: “Nashi pear has a really recognisable freshness and sweetness, but it isn’t a flavour Australian consumers see often in gin. That makes it easy for venues to introduce while still giving them something distinctive to put on the back bar and cocktail list.

“Ukiyo has built a strong point of difference around Japanese ingredients and contemporary distilling, and Nashi Pear continues that story in a way that feels particularly suited to spring and summer drinking.”

Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin is now available in Australia through Proof Drinks Australia.