Sonbi Gin

Sonbi Gin is a premium Korean-inspired gin distilled by Tokki Soju in Rohnert Park, California. This distinctive gin marries the classic juniper-forward notes of a London Dry style with unique botanicals that highlight Korean flavors. Crafted from a 100% corn neutral spirit, Sonbi Gin incorporates ten botanicals, including juniper, Schisandra berries, Chinese licorice, grains of paradise, cassia, green cardamom, coriander, lemon peel, orris root, and angelica root. Each botanical is macerated differently before being distilled in a copper continuous column still, creating a gin with a vibrant and complex flavor profile.

Produced in Rohnert Park, California, Sonbi is the “Western spirits” brand from Brandon Hill’s Tokki Soju. Initially launched in 2021 in Chungju, South Korea, Sonbi crafts premium, typically Western spirits with a Korean twist.

Named for the virtuous scholars of the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty who passed up positions of wealth and power to lead lives of integrity in the pursuit of knowledge, Sonbi’s labels are designed to mimic Korean currency in a playful nod to the belief that knowledge and integrity are themselves true wealth.

Featuring 10 botanicals, Sonbi’s flagship Korean dry gin is a London Dry-style gin crafted to showcase its Korean-grown botanicals—most notably Schisandra berries, or five-flavor fruit, a berry known for its five different flavor components: spicy, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami.

Each botanical is treated differently during the production process beginning with the juniper which undergoes an overnight maceration in 100% corn spirit. The remaining botanicals—some fresh and some dried—are added directly into the still during distillation except for the lemon peel, which is vapor distilled. Distilled through a copper continuous column still, the gin is rested for a minimum of 2 months and proofed with reverse osmosis water before bottling

• Premium Korean-inspired dry gin produced by Tokki Soju in Rohnert Park, California
• Distilled from 100% corn neutral spirit
• 10 botanicals include juniper, Schisandra berries, Chinese licorice, grains of paradise, cassia, green cardamom, coriander, lemon peel, orris root, and angelica root
• Juniper is macerated overnight; lemon peels are vapor distilled and the remaining botanicals are added to still during distillation
• Distilled in a copper continuous column still
• Rested 2 months before bottling
• Juniper, sansho peppercorn, lime, and cinnamon on the nose lead to a citrusy palate with a perfect balance of spice and earthy botanical notes including licorice root, angelica, and green cardamom with a zesty finish of ginger and fresh
• 48% ABV

Nose: Aromas of juniper, sansho peppercorn, lime, and cinnamon lead to an intensely perfumed bouquet that hints at its complex flavor.

Palate: On the palate, the gin offers a balanced blend of citrus and spice, with earthy botanical notes like licorice root, angelica, and green cardamom. The flavors are well-integrated, with a zesty finish of ginger and fresh lemon peel.

Finish: The finish is clean and slightly spicy, with a lingering citrus note that is perfect for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails.

Sonbi Gin pairs exceptionally well with Asian-inspired dishes, such as Korean BBQ or sushi. Its complex botanical profile also complements lighter dishes like salads with citrus-based dressings or seafood. Additionally, it can elevate classic gin cocktails like a Martini or a Negroni with its unique twist.