Mangrove has agreed an exclusive UK distribution deal for Forest Spirits' Kokoro Gin, a Japanese-inspired London Dry gin.

The deal will see the gin being marketed to on-trade, off-trade, wholesalers, independents, supermarkets and other retailers through Mangrove’s network.

Kokoro was launched in September 2016, with its first batch selling out in two months. Its core ingredient, sansho berries, are hand-picked and imported to the UK from the Afan Woodland, a sustainable forest in the Nagano region of Japan.  Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, sansho berries have a distinctive pepper flavour with a citrus aftertaste. Combined with eight other botanicals, the sansho berries give Kokoro Gin its unique flavour.

James Nicol, managing director at Forest Spirits, which produces Kokoro Gin, says: “Our deal with Mangrove will allow us to take Kokoro Gin to a larger market. We know that Mangrove only works with the highest quality products, so this is a perfect partnership. It is a significant step for us in growing the brand.”

Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove, says: “Kokoro Gin expands our gin selection, offering a point of difference for our customers. The addition of sansho berries produces a gin with oriental nuances, adding unique flavours compared to the traditional style of gin.”

Forest Spirits was formed by James Nicol and Barry Darnell.

Read mroe at source The Drinks Report