Craft Gin 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender' Using Niseko-grown Lavender Wins Double Gold Medal at SFWSC 2026

Niseko Distillery (Niseko Town, Hokkaido; CEO: Jiro Nagumo) announced that its 'ohoro GIN' series has received prestigious awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026, one of the world's largest and most authoritative spirit competitions.

Notably, 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender,' a limited-edition product using lavender grown in Niseko, won the 'DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL' in the Contemporary Gin category of the Japanese Gin division. The Double Gold Medal is awarded exclusively to products unanimously rated as Gold by all judges.

In addition, 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint' received a SILVER MEDAL in the same category, and 'ohoro GIN Standard' won a SILVER MEDAL in the London Dry Gin division, further cementing the global recognition of the high quality of the ohoro GIN series.

About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The SFWSC, established in 2000, is one of the world's largest spirits competitions. Thousands of spirits are entered annually from across the globe, undergoing rigorous blind-tasting by leading industry experts.

Recognition at SFWSC is widely regarded by bartenders and liquor industry professionals worldwide as a benchmark for quality and a testament to superior spirit craftsmanship.

'ohoro GIN': Nurtured by the Nature of Niseko

'ohoro' means 'to continue' in the Ainu language. The name reflects the desire for this gin, born in Niseko, to be cherished by many and continue into the future. The award-winning ohoro GIN series utilizes local ingredients, including the clear, cold spring water of Niseko Annupuri and botanicals native to Hokkaido such as bog myrtle, Japanese peppermint, and lavender. Each gin is crafted to achieve a clear, balanced flavor profile that carefully highlights the characteristics of each botanical.

Floral and Delicate Aromas from Niseko Lavender

The DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL-winning 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender' uses the town flower of Niseko as its key botanical. It features a generous amount of freshly harvested Niseko lavender, drawing out the elegant, floral scent unique to fresh blossoms. Harmonized with juniper berries and citrus botanicals, it offers a delicate and multi-layered taste experience.

The Globally Recognized 'ohoro GIN' Series

ohoro GIN is crafted using the pure spring water of Niseko Annupuri and Hokkaido-derived botanicals. In 2024, 'ohoro GIN Standard' also won a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL at the SFWSC and earned the top Trophy award in its category at the International Spirits Challenge, one of the world's top three spirit competitions. These accolades underscore the high quality of the ohoro GIN series, born from Niseko's abundant nature and advanced distillation techniques. The distillery team remains committed to pursuing excellence and creating products that reflect the nature and climate of Niseko.

Product Overview

ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender

A limited-edition craft gin featuring Niseko lavender as the key botanical. Made with a generous amount of freshly picked lavender from Niseko to capture the pleasant scent of fresh flowers.

Category: Spirits
Ingredients: Brewed alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Lavender