Introducing Yu Gin: A Blend of Wabi-Sabi Philosophy and French Innovation
Produced by French firm Spiritique, Yu Gin spotlights yuzu citrus and a philosophy of beautiful simplicity. (Photo: Yu Gin)
Founded in 2018 by Laurent Berriat, Olivier Hidier and Stephane Aussel, Spiritique is a French spirits brand that emerged from the collaboration of three seasoned individuals in the industry. With a combined experience of 70 years, the founders share a passion for fine spirits and a dedication to using real ingredients.
In the same year the business debuted, Spiritique released Yu Gin, a vibrant blend of tradition, innovation and a touch of Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Distilled in the Cognac region of France, it draws inspiration from Japanese customs and flavors, infusing juniper berries, yuzu, Szechuan pepper, licorice and coriander.
Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept, celebrates the beauty derived from imperfection, impermanence and simplicity. It values the transient nature of things, embracing the authenticity of natural forms with a focus on rustic and unpretentious elegance. This philosophy resonates not just in Yu Gin’s succinct ingredient list but also manifests in its Zen garden-inspired bottle design.
Berriat, one of Spiritique’s founders, emphasized in an interview with Chilled Magazine that the journey to making Yu Gin was rooted in a quest for the ideal juniper spirit.
“At the beginning of each story, or each creative process, there are just a few words,” Berriat informed Chilled Magazine. “For example, what makes a good gin? It must be refreshing and relaxing.”
“Based on this very common assumption, we push the creative process a little further by writing a whole story, and at the same time, we push quality as much as possible.”
According to the brand, yuzu, revered by renowned chefs and perfumers, is a beloved fruit in Japan known for its calming and invigorating qualities. It holds a significant place in Japanese cuisine and traditions, such as Yuzuyu, where the fruit is placed in hot bathwater during the winter solstice to ward off colds, warm the body and induce relaxation.
“Yuzu is probably the most elegant and refreshing ingredient known,” Berriat added. “That’s why we created Yu Gin and Yu No.”
Yu Gin has also received official recognition for its quality, earning a gold medal during The Drinks Business and The Spirits Business Autumn Tasting in 2021 and a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast in the same year.
“This citrusy gin, made with yuzu and Sichuan pepper, hails from France’s Cognac region,” Wine Enthusiast wrote. “The mild aroma whispers lemon peel—the palate shouts it, layering on tart juiciness and a hint of mandarin orange sweetness. Ginger and white pepper heat lead into the astringent finish.”
Yu Gin’s textured bottle design takes a cue from the raked sands of a Zen garden. (Photo: Yu Gin)
Versatile and straightforward, Yu Gin can be enjoyed in various ways, whether neat, on the rocks or in a classic G&T. The brand’s U.S. importer, Heavenly Spirits, even partnered with six bartenders across the country to create an array of bespoke cocktails using Yu Gin in honor of Bastille Day. One recipe in particular, the Galick Gun, pairs the citrusy spirit with richly herbal Green Chartreuse.
Galick Gun
This Yu Gin recipe was created by Kristopher Taylor of Minneapolis, MN. (Photo: Kristopher Taylor)
- 2 oz Yu Gin
- 1/4 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1/4 oz Jahoit Cassis
- 1/4 oz orange ginger syrup
- 3/4 oz lime juice
Begin by pouring the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake the mixture for about 10–15 seconds, and then strain it into a chilled glass of your choice. Garnish with a thick orange wheel, and enjoy.
Responding to the trend of alcohol-free drinking, Spiritique later introduced Yu No as a non-alcoholic alternative to Yu Gin. Maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and taste, Yu No is crafted from the distillation of fresh yuzu and other botanicals used in the original spirit. For those seeking a tasty mocktail, Spritique has released a bevy of recipes incorporating the expressive tasting notes of its zero-proof offering.
KOORI Mocktail
(Photo: Yu No/Instagram)
- 5 cl Yu No
- 1 cl orange blossom syrup
- 1 large spoonful of lemon sorbet
- Pinch of matcha powder
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake for about 10–15 seconds. Strain into a glass, and add a pinch of matcha powder on top to garnish.
Available across the U.S., Yu Gin can be found for around $40 per 700-ml bottle. For more details, visit Yu Gin’s website or explore the brand on Instagram @yu_gin_fr.
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