World first Wood Spirits Alcohol drink Project in Japan

The world’s first wooden alcohol, Sprits. Crushed thinned wood, distillery in an abandoned school.

The WoodSpirits Project has announced the commencement of the world’s first production and sale of “wooden spirits.” This initiative is a collaborative effort between Ethical Spirits & Co., a Japanese distillery venture led by Hiroyasu Kajiyama, owner of BarBenFiddich, and the National Institute of Forest Science. The project focuses on upcycling underutilized resources such as “thinning wood” generated during forest thinning, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly endeavor.

The flavors of the “wooden spirits” vary not only based on the type of wood but also on individual factors such as tree age and origin, providing a diverse and unique tasting experience.

The current product lineup includes varieties such as Sugi (Cedar), Mizunara (Japanese Oak), Sirakaba (White Birch), and Kuromoji. For instance, Kuromoji, a deciduous shrub growing in mountainous areas and traditionally used in Japan for high-quality toothpicks and medicinal purposes, is highlighted. According to The Ethical Spirits & Co. website, the Kuromoji wooden spirit boasts a refreshing blend of lemongrass, lavender, and cardamom, creating a crisp and invigorating beverage with a dry finish.

The company claims that by distilling wood from a 100-year-old tree, it is possible to create a spirit infused with the essence of a “100-year vintage wood,” potentially introducing a new innovation to the spirits industry.

Image is from The Ethical Spirits & Co.Website

Source:The Ethical Spirits & Co.Website, https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000068.000054781.html