Momotarō Ginzero

Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald

The peach boy

Momotarō Ginzero from the traditional Kaltenthaler distillery is a non-alcoholic gin that cannot deny its inspiration. The Japanese theme is consistently carried through. Beginning with the name: Momotaro, which means "peach boy" in English. He is the main character of an old Japanese legend. According to this legend, the boy sprang from a peach that his parents, who had remained childless, found by the river. Momotarō grew up safely and, as an adult, went on many adventures and defended humanity against countless monsters. Fortunately, he was not alone, his companions were a monkey, a pheasant and a dog. Neither peach nor the animals can be found on the bottle, but the design and choice of bottle shape quote Japanese stylistic devices. The extremely beautiful colour gradient from pink to dark blue also leaves room for imagination. From cherry blossom to sunset, everything is in there. And the "inside" is definitely Japanese aromatic. Yuzu lemon, rises directly to the nose. Grassy notes from Sencha tea and a gin-typical juniper impact can be detected. But also more delicate floral notes can still be perceived. Almost too perfumy, I hear here and there. But in a mix with tonic, it needs strong counterparts. And no botanical is made to be enjoyed pure. Hand on heart, who drinks gin neat? I certainly haven't done it often, and when I did, it was the following setting: advanced hour, the tonic is already empty, but it still has to go smash hard. High pleasure? Well, no ... . But maybe there are the gin straight connoisseurs out there, kind regards! The alcohol-free Momotarō is very suitable as a mix with tonic, because more remains in the glass than just a little juniper aroma. But also as a Nogroni with a bitter alternative, e.g. Palermo and a good non-alcoholic dry Vermouth, e.g. from Undone is a clear recommendation. How about a fennel crème brûlée to go with it? With anchovy? Japanese approach, in the form of a slightly more adventurous sweet-salty combination? It's worth it. Recipe can be found here. Arigatō and sayonara sober buddies!