Imagination Wakame SW 700ml

Imagination Wakame SW 700ml is an audaciously inventive gin that bridges the botanical and the briny, bringing the umami complexity of wakame seaweed into a juniper-led spirit. This is contemporary New Zealand gin-making at its most adventurous, where coastal forage meets classic distillation to create a flavour profile unlike anything in your home bar.

Buy Imagination Wakame SW Gin Online in NZ

Wakame seaweed is the defining botanical here, lending a savoury, mineral edge that plays beautifully against the bright citrus and juniper backbone. The infusion process is carefully managed, with bartenders often steeping around 45 to 50 grams of seaweed per bottle for two days to achieve the ideal balance of sweet, salty, and herbaceous notes. The result is a gin that feels equally at home in classic serves and cutting-edge cocktails.

Nose: Fresh juniper opens the aromatics, followed by a wave of sweet citrus and a subtle marine hint that signals the seaweed influence without overwhelming the senses.

Palate: An initial burst of lime citrus leads the charge, crisp and zesty, before the juniper steps forward and the wakame introduces a gentle salinity. The interplay between refreshing citrus and that unexpected sweet-savoury note creates a drinking experience that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Finish: The closing act is where this gin truly shines, delivering a remarkable sweet and salty finish that lingers longer than you’d expect. It’s a conclusion that feels almost oceanic, a nod to New Zealand’s coastal terroir translated into liquid form.

In a classic gin and tonic, pair Imagination Wakame SW with a quality tonic water and garnish with a wedge of lime or a sprig of rosemary to accentuate those herbaceous and citrus layers. For something more ambitious, try it in a Dirty Martini where the seaweed’s umami depth amplifies the olive brine, or mix it into a contemporary Negroni where the botanical complexity adds a savoury twist to the bitter-sweet balance. This gin also excels in highball serves with citrus-forward mixers or in Asian-inspired cocktails where soy, ginger, and sesame flavours find a natural ally.

This is a gin for the curious drinker, the home bartender looking to push boundaries, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of terroir and innovation. A standout gift for the gin enthusiast who’s tasted everything conventional and craves something that tells a uniquely New Zealand story with every pour.