An Elegant Blend of Botanicals
Alc/Vol: 43%
Formerly Kazuki Gin, “Beacon” embodies a sense of place, signifying two monumental sites on Vancouver Island where Sheringham Distillery originated–the iconic Sheringham Point Lighthouse beacon located by our first distillery and the beloved springtime cherry blossom-lined Beacon Hill Park. Brilliant floral and fruitiness of the cherry blossoms deliver polished and rounded edges with soft citrus notes of yuzu and grapefruit, and local green tea leaves and flowers give a delicate herbaceous note through to the finish. Beacon Gin is elegant on its own and brilliantly nuanced in a Sheringham cocktail.
More Beacon (Kazuki) Gin Info
Beacon Gin Flavor Profiles and Botanical Character
Sheringham Distillery delivers Beacon Gin as an elegant expression of Vancouver Island’s botanical treasures. This sophisticated gin showcases brilliant floral notes from cherry blossoms that create polished and rounded edges throughout each sip. The spirit features soft citrus character from yuzu and grapefruit that balances perfectly with delicate herbaceous notes from local green tea leaves and flowers.
Complex Botanical Layers in Every Bottle
The gin presents a beautifully layered tasting experience that evolves from the first nose to the lingering finish. Cherry blossom florals provide the opening act with their gentle sweetness, while yuzu adds bright citrus complexity that differs from traditional lemon or lime profiles. The local green tea creates an herbaceous backbone that supports these primary flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Signature Cocktail Recipes for Beacon Gin
This versatile gin excels in both classic and contemporary cocktail applications where its floral character can truly shine. Beacon Hill Park cocktail celebrates the gin’s namesake location with complementary botanicals. The spirit requires gentle handling to preserve its delicate flavor profile, with most cocktails benefiting from stirring rather than shaking to maintain clarity and softness.
Essential Mixing Guidelines and Techniques
- Preparation time: 2-3 minutes for most cocktails to allow proper dilution
- Glassware recommendations: Coupe glasses for martinis, highball glasses for tonics
- Garnish suggestions: Fresh cherry blossoms, grapefruit twists, or green tea leaves
- Batching instructions: Scale recipes by 6-8 servings for groups, pre-chill all ingredients
- Temperature control: Serve chilled but not over-diluted to maintain botanical integrity
Storage, Serving, and Care Instructions for Beacon Gin
Proper storage maintains the delicate botanical character that makes this gin special. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. The optimal storage temperature ranges between 60-70°F to preserve the volatile compounds from cherry blossoms and green tea that create the gin’s signature profile.
Preservation and Serving Best Practices
- Shelf life after opening: 2-3 years when stored properly with minimal air exposure
- Proper serving temperatures: 45-50°F for neat tasting, 40-45°F for cocktails
- Glassware selection: Use clean, odor-free glasses to preserve delicate aromatics
- Transportation tips: Keep bottles upright and cushioned during transport or gifting
- First-time guidance: Start with 1:4 gin-to-tonic ratio to appreciate botanical complexity
- Home bar setup: Store with other premium gins, separate from strongly aromatic spirits
Food Pairing Suggestions for Elegant Dining
The floral and citrus character of Beacon Gin pairs beautifully with light, fresh foods that complement rather than compete with its delicate botanicals. Asian-inspired cuisines work particularly well due to the green tea connection and yuzu citrus notes. The gin enhances seafood dishes and spring vegetables while creating harmony with delicate desserts and soft cheeses.
Perfect Culinary Companions and Seasonal Matches
- Appetizers: Sushi, sashimi, cucumber canapés, and light seafood tartares
- Dessert enhancers: Lemon posset, green tea ice cream, and cherry blossom macarons
- Cheese board selections: Fresh goat cheese, burrata, and mild brie varieties
- Spring cuisine harmony: Asparagus dishes, pea shoots, and fresh herb salads
- Sauce applications: Light vinaigrettes with yuzu or green tea-infused marinades
Mixology Tips for Beacon Gin Cocktails
The delicate nature of this gin requires gentle mixing techniques that preserve its floral character while achieving proper dilution and temperature. Stirring works better than shaking for most applications, as vigorous shaking can bruise the delicate botanicals and create unwanted cloudiness. When shaking is necessary, use shorter, gentler motions with plenty of ice.
Professional Techniques for Optimal Results
- Stir technique: Use 30-40 gentle rotations for spirit-forward cocktails
- Dilution advice: Aim for 20-25% dilution to maintain botanical clarity
- Garnish preparation: Express citrus oils gently to avoid overpowering florals
- Ice considerations: Use larger ice cubes to minimize rapid dilution
- Tool selection: Bar spoons with long handles for proper stirring depth
- Layering potential: Works well as a base layer in complex, aromatic cocktails
Gift and Purchase Occasion Suggestions for Beacon Gin
This elegant gin makes an exceptional gift for sophisticated spirit enthusiasts who appreciate artisanal craftsmanship and unique botanical profiles. The beautiful story connecting Vancouver Island landmarks appeals to those with coastal lifestyle preferences or connections to British Columbia. Sheringham’s gift guide positions this gin perfectly for special celebrations requiring thoughtful, premium presentations.
Perfect Gifting Moments and Recipient Profiles
- Wedding celebrations: Symbolizes new beginnings with cherry blossom connection
- Housewarming gifts: Premium alternative to standard imported gin brands
- Anniversary presentations: Romantic florals perfect for milestone celebrations
- Corporate gifting: Sophisticated choice for business relationships and client appreciation
- Collector appeal: Limited production numbers attract craft spirit enthusiasts
- Budget-friendly luxury: Artisanal quality at accessible price points compared to rare imports
Beacon Gin as Craft Alternative to World Brands
While respected brands like Hendrick’s, Botanist, and Monkey 47 have established floral gin categories, Sheringham Distillery offers Beacon Gin as a distinctly Canadian interpretation with unique local botanicals. Unlike mass-produced alternatives such as Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire, this small-batch gin features ingredients sourced exclusively from Vancouver Island, creating terroir-driven character impossible to replicate in large-scale production.
Artisanal Advantages Over Commercial Production
- Local botanical sourcing: Green tea from Canada’s only commercial organic tea grower
- Small-batch quality: Hand-selected botanicals versus industrial ingredient procurement
- Sustainable practices: Environmental certifications that major brands cannot match
- Chef’s approach: Culinary-inspired distillation techniques versus standard industrial methods
- Community partnerships: Direct relationships with local growers and foragers
Vancouver Island Production and Sustainable Sourcing Excellence
Sheringham Distillery produces Beacon Gin using a chef’s approach to distillation that emphasizes ingredient quality and sustainable sourcing partnerships throughout Vancouver Island. The green tea leaves and flowers come from Westholme Tea Company, Canada’s first commercial organic tea grower, ensuring authentic expressions of their Vancouver Island environment. This small distillery with big dreams maintains multiple sustainability certifications including Climate Pledge signatory status and BC Green Business certification.
Local Partnerships and Environmental Stewardship
- Westholme Tea Company: Organic green tea grown specifically for Vancouver Island terroir
- Female leadership team: Women-led approach to craft distillation
- Water conservation: Capturing and recycling processes reduce environmental impact
- Coastal foraging: Sustainable harvesting practices protect local ecosystems
- Community integration: Supporting local growers and maintaining island economy
- Biosphere Committed designation: Recognized commitment to sustainable tourism and production