Shakotan Spirit HONOHO KIBOU BLUE Gin
KIBOU BLUE is a Japanese craft gin from Shakotan, Hokkaido, bottled at 45% ABV in a 500ml bottle. Part of the HONOHO (火の帆) range, it combines KIBOU's Hokkaido botanical character with a vivid blue colour from butterfly pea. Its colour takes inspiration from the waters of the Shakotan Peninsula.
Explore our Shakotan Spirit collection or compare it with other bottles in our gin selection.
Product Details
| Producer | Shakotan Spirit |
|---|---|
| Distillery | Distillery Shakotan Blue |
| Range and expression | HONOHO (Hi no Ho), KIBOU BLUE |
| Category | Japanese craft gin |
| Origin | Shakotan, Hokkaido, Japan |
| Bottle size | 500ml |
| Alcohol strength | 45% ABV |
| Colour | Blue, coloured with butterfly pea |
| Packaging | Gift box not included |
| Storage | Keep in a dark place, away from natural and artificial light |
Tasting Notes
The following summarises Japanese retailer Sake Iroha's description, rather than an independent tasting by Bottle Of Japan.
- Nose: Orange-like aromatics from aka-ezomatsu spruce, with juniper and fresh hop notes.
- Palate: Forest-like botanical flavours, subtle sweetness associated with kitakobushi magnolia, and spicy ezoyamamomo notes.
- Finish: The retailer describes ezomikan bitterness as tightening the flavour profile; it does not specify the length of the finish.
A Blue Gin Inspired by Shakotan
KIBOU BLUE builds on the distillery's KIBOU gin with butterfly pea colouring. Its blue appearance reflects the local sea, while Hokkaido and Shakotan botanicals give it a connection to the surrounding landscape. The back label highlights the orange-like aroma of aka-ezomatsu and the wish to preserve Shakotan's beautiful waters.
The botanical colour can fade under natural or artificial light. Store the bottle in a dark place to help preserve its appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes KIBOU BLUE different from KIBOU?
KIBOU BLUE uses KIBOU as its base and adds butterfly pea colouring, creating a blue gin inspired by Shakotan's sea.
What size and strength is this bottle?
This listing is for one 500ml bottle at 45% ABV, as shown on the photographed back label.
Where is KIBOU BLUE made?
It is produced by Shakotan Spirit at Distillery Shakotan Blue in Shakotan, Hokkaido, Japan.
How should I store KIBOU BLUE?
Keep it in a dark place. Its botanical colouring can fade in both natural and artificial light.
Does this bottle include a gift box?
No. This listing is supplied without a gift box, as specified in our product details.
Will I need to pay import duties or taxes?
Our Shipping Policy states that international orders ship DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Applicable customs duties, import taxes and local fees are paid by the customer and are excluded from the product price and shipping cost. US and UK buyers should check their own destination requirements; EU buyers should check those of their destination member state.
What is your return and refund policy?
Under our Returning & Exchanging policy, sales are generally final and change-of-mind returns are not accepted. Contact us within 7 days of signing for delivery if an item is damaged or incorrect, and obtain a Return Number before returning it. Incorrect items must remain unopened and in their original condition; photograph breakage safely. Refunds are credited to the original payment method after receipt and inspection.
Review the full image gallery, including the stopper close-ups. Confirm box inclusion and the exact cosmetic condition with us before ordering if these details are important.
International orders are shipped DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Import duties, taxes and local customs fees are not included in the item price or shipping charge and are the customer’s responsibility. Requirements differ between the United States, the United Kingdom, EU member states and other destinations. See our shipping policy for current details.
At Bottle Of Japan, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient shipping services to deliver our rare Japanese whiskies, vintage spirits, and exclusive European imports to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. This shipping policy outlines our processes, requirements, and commitments to ensure your order arrives safely and on time.
1. Shipping Destinations
We offer global shipping to most countries and regions worldwide. Please note that some destinations may have restrictions on the import of alcoholic beverages (spirits), and it is the customer’s responsibility to check their local customs regulations and import requirements before placing an order.
2. Order Processing & Shipping Time
All orders are processed within 1-3 business days (excluding weekends and Japanese public holidays) after payment confirmation. Once your order is processed and shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number, which allows you to monitor the status of your shipment in real time. Estimated shipping times vary by destination (from the date of shipment): Japan Domestic: 2-5 business days (via Japan Post or Kuroneko Yamato) Asia Pacific (e.g., South Korea, Singapore, Australia): 5-10 business days North America & Europe: 7-14 business days Rest of the World: 10-20 business days Please note that shipping times are estimates only and may be delayed due to customs clearance, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
3. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of your order, destination, and shipping method. You can view the exact shipping cost at checkout, before completing your payment.
See all the countries we ship to here.
Return & Refund
Since we ship alcoholic beverages, all sales are generally final. We don't accept returns or exchanges just for a change of mind.But if things go wrong—like your bottle breaks in transit or we accidentally send you the wrong one—we've absolutely got your back! Here is how we handle it:
The 7-Day Window
If your item is damaged or incorrect, please reach out to us within 7 days of signing for your package. After 7 days, we unfortunately won't be able to process a return or exchange.
Item Condition
If we sent you the wrong item by mistake, please make sure it stays unopened and in its original condition. (If your item arrived broken, just safely take some clear photos for us instead!)
Refused or Undeliverable Packages
Any packages that are refused by the customer upon delivery, or returned to sender due to an incorrect/incomplete address provided by the customer, are subject to a return shipping and restocking fee. This fee will be deducted from your refund.
In addition, original shipping costs are strictly non-refundable for refused packages. If a package is abandoned or destroyed by the carrier due to a customer's refusal to pay local customs duties, no refund will be issued.