Zenbird Editorial TeamThe Ethical Spirits will soon launch its new signature gin, LAST EN, on 7 April. The Tokyo-based distillery produced the spirit using 14 different types of surplus materials, marking the highest number of upcycled ingredients in the company’s history.
The base spirit is distilled from out-of-spec Dassai sake, provided by the renowned producer in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Ethical Spirits then incorporates a diverse range of botanicals sourced from food production by-products.
This product involves collaborations across multiple sectors to secure raw materials that would otherwise be discarded. Japan Airlines provides spent coffee grounds from its Haneda Airport lounges, while House Foods Group supplies unused spices such as coriander seeds and rosemary. Other ingredients include upcycled hops from Yo-Ho Brewing, orange peels from IJOOZ vending machines, and ginger leaves from Ogawa Farm. The distillery also uses shikuwasa peel, myoga stems, and nigari to round out the botanical blend.
Ethical Spirits Co. operates under the philosophy of “Starring the hidden gem,” focusing on the aromatic potential of materials often considered waste. Since its founding in 2020, the venture has utilised over 150 types of surplus materials. The LAST brand name reflects a dual meaning in English, referring to both the “last” remaining materials and the “lasting” value created through distillation.
The packaging for LAST EN features an Enso motif by contemporary artist NAGON. This traditional Zen circle symbolises the connections between nature, people, and the circular flow of resources.
[Reference] PR Times (Japanese)
