Japanese Bitters
Layered Flavours
We are thrilled to announce that “The Japanese Bitters” has officially joined the JBE Imports family, cementing their place among the most esteemed bitters experts in the UK. Known globally for their meticulous craftsmanship and devotion to quality, The Japanese Bitters brings a unique and refined approach to the world of cocktail enhancement.
Founded by industry visionary Yuki Yamazaki, The Japanese Bitters was established with a mission to capture the essence of Japan’s rich natural and culinary heritage. Each bottle is handcrafted in Tokyo using only the finest local botanicals, carefully selected and blended to achieve an unparalleled depth of flavour and aroma.
Recognized for their precision and artistry, The Japanese Bitters range includes Yuzu, Shiso and Umami bitters—each designed to enhance cocktails with distinctive, authentic Japanese notes. These expressions are crafted using traditional methods that honour both the history of bitters and the bold, innovative spirit of modern mixology. Now, as part of their partnership with JBE Imports, The Japanese Bitters is launching an exciting new Liqueurs range. Inspired by the same commitment to excellence and authenticity, these liqueurs aim to elevate cocktail experiences with sophisticated, layered flavours derived from premium Japanese ingredients.
New products launching in the UK.
Sakura Bitters | 100ml | 27%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Sakura flowers and leaves
Celebrate the fleeting beauty of spring with Sakura Bitters, a floral and nuanced expression from The Japanese Bitters collection. Crafted from Yae-Sakura (Sekiyama variety) cherry blossoms and salt-pickled sakura leaves from Izu, this bitters captures the delicate fragrance and elegant character of Japan’s most iconic bloom. Unlike typical cherry trees, sakura trees do not bear fruit — instead, they bloom each spring with breathtaking pink and white flowers that have become a symbol of renewal and national pride in Japan. The blossoms and leaves used in this bitters are grown without pesticides, and carefully harvested at peak freshness, then blended with natural salt from the ocean to highlight their subtle floral and umami profile. Sakura Bitters is a beautifully balanced mix of gentle floral aromas and soft salinity, making it one of the most versatile and transformative bitters in the range. It adds a delicate layer of complexity to both classic and contemporary cocktails — ideal for those looking to infuse a touch of Japanese elegance into their serves.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Sakura Alexander
- Sakura Gin & Tonic
- Sakura Negroni
- Sakura Cosmopolitan
Refined and romantic, Sakura Bitters is the perfect way to bring the spirit of Japanese spring into your glass — all year round.
Hinoki Bitters | 100ml | 27%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Hinoki wood chips
Experience the soul of Japanese craftsmanship with Hinoki Bitters — a distinctive and aromatic expression from The Japanese Bitters range. Made from 100% pure Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) sourced from Tama, a historic forestry region in Tokyo, this bitters is a tribute to Japan’s natural heritage and spiritual traditions. The hinoki wood used is sustainably harvested and processed using a low-temperature vacuum extraction method, preserving its delicate fragrance and subtle flavor compounds. Blended with neutral spirits and water, this method ensures a gentle yet profound profile — delivering woody, resinous notes with faint citrus and herbal undertones. Traditionally used in temple construction and wellness rituals, Hinoki is known not only for its elegant scent but also for its therapeutic properties — promoting calm, deep breathing, and a sense of peace. Hinoki Bitters pairs beautifully with dry vermouth, enhancing drinks like the Dry Martini with soft, forested complexity. It also adds a sophisticated, aged quality to whisky-based cocktails, balancing richness with an earthy, clean finish.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Dry Martini
- Manhattan
- Last Word
- Martinez
- Bamboo
Refined, rare, and deeply rooted in Japanese culture — Hinoki Bitters invites you to bring a touch of mindful tradition into every serve.
Sansho Bitters | 100ml | 27%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Budou Sansho (Grape Sansho)
Bring an electrifying twist to your cocktails with Sansho Bitters, a bold and vibrant offering from The Japanese Bitters collection. Made from premium Budou Sansho peppers grown in Wakayama, Japan, this unique bitters captures the zesty citrus aroma and signature tingling sensation of one of Japan’s most revered spices. Known as “Japanese Pepper,” Sansho is a staple in traditional cuisine, often paired with dishes like grilled eel and soba noodles. Its distinct flavour profile — fresh, peppery, and slightly numbing — is unlike any other, making it a powerful ingredient in both food and drink. Sansho Bitters expertly blends the sharp brightness of fresh Budou Sansho with the earthy complexity of dried Sansho, delivering citrusy top notes, a lively bite, and a playful, lingering tingle on the palate. It’s a remarkable tool for modern mixologists looking to elevate refreshing cocktails or add depth to bitter-leaning serves.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Sansho Margarita
- Sansho Hanky Panky
- Sansho Americano
- Sansho Bloody Mary
- Sansho Dry Martini
- Sansho Gin & Tonic
- Sansho Whisky Highball
From bright spritzes to spirit-forward classics, Sansho Bitters adds intensity, originality, and a true taste of Japan’s spice culture to every glass.
Shiso Bitters | 100ml | 28%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Shiso leaves
Shiso Bitters – a handcrafted creation made using carefully selected green shiso leaves from the renowned Aoba plantation in Chiba Prefecture, the heart of Japanese bitters production. Shiso, a member of the mint family (Perilla frutescens), is a beloved culinary herb in Japanese cuisine. Its fresh, vibrant leaves are traditionally used to enhance sushi dishes or as a decorative garnish. In this unique expression, the herb’s naturally herbaceous, slightly spicy, and subtly minty profile is captured in a beautifully balanced bitter. Crafted in small batches, The Japanese Shiso Bitters adds a sophisticated herbal depth to your cocktail creations. It pairs exceptionally well with whisky and gin, and also complements more adventurous spirits like tequila and mezcal. Whether used in classic serves or innovative new recipes, Shiso Bitters invites you to explore its complexity and elegance.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Shiso Gin + Tonic
- Shiso Whisky Sour
- Shiso Gimlet
- Shiso Dry Martini
Perfect for mixologists, bartenders, or enthusiasts looking to elevate their drink experience with an authentic taste of Japan.
Umami Bitters | 100ml | 27%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Seaweed, Dried Bonito, Shiitake Mushroom, Yuzu Peel
Unlock the fifth taste with Umami Bitters – a groundbreaking expression from The Japanese Bitters collection that redefines the art of cocktail crafting. Derived from the Japanese word umami, meaning “pleasant savoury taste,” this unique bitter captures the deep, rounded richness found in traditional Japanese cuisine. Carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients sourced from across Japan, including kombu (seaweed), dried bonito flakes, shiitake mushrooms, and a hint of yuzu peel, this bitters blend delivers an exquisite balance of depth, earthiness, and bright citrus complexity. Umami Bitters is a concentrated essence designed to enhance classic sipping cocktails with an added layer of savory complexity and a lingering finish. Ideal for whisky, gin, and agave-based spirits, it also brings surprising harmony to tomato- and vermouth-based drinks. Whether you're a professional bartender or an adventurous home mixologist, Umami Bitters will elevate your creations and offer new dimensions of flavor.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Umami Old Fashioned
- Umami Negroni
- Umami Manhattan
- Umami Last Word
- Umami Bloody Mary
Refined, bold, and unmistakably Japanese — Umami Bitters transforms cocktails into an experience.
Yuzu Bitters | 100ml | 27%
Ingredients: Neutral spirits, Yuzu peel
Discover the bright, zesty essence of Japan with Yuzu Bitters — a vibrant citrus-forward expression from The Japanese Bitters collection. Crafted using fresh yuzu peel sourced directly from farmers in Tokushima Prefecture—Japan’s leading yuzu-growing region—this bitters delivers the unmistakable aroma and flavour of the iconic Citrus junos fruit. Yuzu is a unique citrus native to Southern Japan, believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda. About the size of a small grapefruit with a bumpy, uneven skin, yuzu is cherished for its incredibly fragrant zest and sharp, floral acidity. Yuzu Bitters captures the full complexity of this fruit — floral, tangy, and slightly bitter — making it a perfect enhancement for a wide variety of cocktails. Whether used in light and refreshing serves or spirit-forward classics, this bitters adds a bright, aromatic twist that lifts and balances your drinks with precision.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Yuzu Gin & Tonic
- Yuzu Whisky Highball
- Yuzu Margarita
- Yuzu Martini
Versatile and full of character, Yuzu Bitters pairs exceptionally well with gin, vodka, tequila, and light whiskies. A must-have for bartenders and home mixologists seeking to elevate their cocktails with a true taste of Japan.
Houjicha Liqueur | 500ml | 20%
Houjicha Liqueur is crafted using carefully selected roasted green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture. Our unique production method enhances its smoky umami flavours, creating a truly premium experience. It pairs exceptionally well with whisky or rum, making it ideal for sipping cocktails. Enjoy it simply mixed with soda or cola for a refreshing twist.
Mizunara Liqueur | 500ml | 23%
Mizunara Liqueur features an elegant woody flavour combined with a herbal, medicinal note reminiscent of Japanese mug wort. Its herbal complexity makes it a versatile ingredient, comparable to liqueurs like Chartreuse or Fernet Branca, and it can be used as a substitute for those flavours. Enjoy it simply with soda or even mixed with milk for an intriguing experience.
Umeshiso Liqueur | 500ml | 21%
Umeshiso Liqueur is crafted with fully ripe, vibrant red ume plums and herbal red shiso, creating a rich and flavourful plum liqueur. Compared to traditional Umeshu, it is denser in flavour and has a slightly higher alcohol content. With cassis-like and red wine-inspired tasting notes, it can also serve as a substitute for cassis liqueur or various berry liqueurs. Enjoy it simply mixed with soda, tonic water, or sparkling wine for a refreshing sparkling cocktail.
Yuzukosho Liqueur | 500ml | 25%
Yuzukosho Liqueur combines the fresh citrus aroma of yuzu with a spicy kick from chili peppers. It’s perfect for adding a touch of spice and heat to any cocktail, giving your drinks an exciting and flavourful twist. You can enjoy it simply mixed with soda, tonic water, or ginger ale, or even blended with tomato juice for a delicious and slightly spicy flavour.
A Natural Fit with JBE Imports
JBE Imports has long been regarded as the go-to source for high-quality bitters in the UK, thanks to their dedication to sourcing exceptional, artisanal products. The addition of The Japanese Bitters to their portfolio further solidifies their position as the ultimate destination for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts seeking innovative, high-quality ingredients.
Explore the Japanese Bitters range now, exclusively available through JBE Imports.