Latest portfolio addition builds on Kirker Greer Spirits’ strategic partnership with Proof Drinks Australia
Kirker Greer Spirits is continuing to build momentum in the Australian spirits market through its strategic partnership with Proof Drinks Australia. Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin joins the brand’s expanding lineup across Australia.
The latest development builds on the partnership established in 2025, when Proof Drinks Australia was appointed to bring Kirker Greer Spirits’ Ukiyo Japanese Spirits and Born Irish Whiskey to Australia’s on-trade market. The collaboration was established with a shared focus on premium spirits, distinctive brands and tailored support for on-trade operators.
Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin joins Tokyo Dry Gin, Japanese Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin and Japanese Rice Vodka in Proof Drinks Australia’s portfolio. The move further strengthens Ukiyo’s position in the Australian market, while giving venues access to a distinctive expression built around one of Japan’s most recognisable fruits.
Created in Chiba, east of Tokyo, Nashi Pear Gin is made using Ukiyo’s signature rice spirit base and 11 botanicals, including nashi pear, juniper, yuzu, mikan peel, bitter orange, sansho pepper, matcha tea and sakura blossom.
At 40% ABV, it combines fresh pear and citrus aromas with orchard fruit, juniper and gentle spice on the palate, while the rice spirit base contributes a rounded texture.
Nashi Pear Gin has been available in the UK since January 2026, exclusively through M&S and Ocado, and its expansion into Australia further extends the international reach of the Ukiyo brand.
Ryan McFarland, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer at Kirker Greer Spirits, said:
“Over the past year, Proof Drinks Australia has helped us establish strong foundations for Ukiyo in Australia, with a shared passion for premium, quality and doing things differently. We’re now building on those foundations, using the strength of the partnership and the growing portfolio to create meaningful, long-term growth in this important international market.”
Proof Drinks Australia is positioning Nashi Pear Gin across both simple serves and more considered cocktails, with its distinctive fruit profile designed to give bartenders a recognisable flavour while providing scope for creativity.
Cassie O’Neill, National Field Sales Manager at Proof Drinks Australia, said:
“Bartenders are always looking for flavours guests can immediately connect with, while still giving them room to be creative. Nashi pear does exactly that: it’s fresh, bright and distinctive, with enough depth from the Japanese botanicals and rice-spirit base to inspire everything from a simple highball or spritz to a signature cocktail.”
Suggested serves include a gin and tonic garnished with fresh pear, as well as a Nashi Pear Martini made with blanc vermouth.
Drew Doty, Managing Director of Proof Drinks Australia, said:
“Nashi pear has a really recognisable freshness and sweetness, but it isn’t a flavour Australian consumers see often in gin. That makes it easy for venues to introduce while still giving them something distinctive to put on the back bar and cocktail list.
“Ukiyo has built a strong point of difference around Japanese ingredients and contemporary distilling, and Nashi Pear continues that story in a way that feels particularly suited to spring and summer drinking.”
Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin is now available in Australia through Proof Drinks Australia, with venue owners, bar managers and beverage buyers able to contact the distributor for availability, trade pricing and ranging information.
About Ukiyo Japanese Spirits
Ukiyo, meaning ‘floating world’, symbolises the Japanese philosophy of living in the moment. Created in Chiba, east of Tokyo, Ukiyo Japanese Spirits is an award-winning premium spirits brand bringing a contemporary expression of Japanese craft and flavour to the international drinks market.
Ukiyo’s portfolio spans a distinctive range of Japanese gin and vodka, each designed to showcase the purity and character of carefully selected botanicals and ingredients. The gin collection comprises Ukiyo Tokyo Dry Gin, a classic dry gin; Ukiyo Blossom Gin, a floral gin; Ukiyo Yuzu Gin, a citrus-led gin; and Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin, a crisp fruit gin. The range is complemented by Ukiyo Rice Vodka, a smooth and subtly fragrant vodka distilled from rice.
The Ukiyo gins share a common Tokyo Dry Gin base, with individual expressions highlighting distinctive Japanese flavour profiles, from Sakura Flower and Yuzu Citrus to the delicate, juicy character of Nashi pear. Across the portfolio, Ukiyo combines Japanese provenance, modern distilling expertise and accessible premium positioning to create spirits that are distinctive, versatile and made to stir the senses.
For more information, please visit Ukiyo Spirits.
About Proof Drinks Australia
Proof Drinks Australia is an independent distributor of premium spirits and beverages, representing a diverse and evolving portfolio of high-quality brands. With a focus on tailored solutions for on-trade venues, off-trade outlets and consumer-centric brand experiences, Proof Drinks is committed to delivering the best premium products to Australia’s discerning drinkers.
