On Friday, March 20, 2026, the craft gin and spice food pairing event "Spice and Gin, Udasu." was held in Uda City. The venue, bustling mainly with female guests, saw a new way for adults to enjoy themselves: "savoring through conversation."
(Related article: 2026.03.04 Food experience event where people involved with Uda intersect: "Spice and Gin, Udasu." Vol. 2)
The "Spice and Gin, Udasu. Vol. 2 - The Revenge of Spice -" event, held at 'Gohan Cafe Sou' in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, attracted many visitors as an experiential event combining craft gin and spiced cuisine.
As part of an initiative to connect the craft gin movement in the Kansai region with Uda, approximately 60 people attended the event. Over 150 drinks were served, and the venue remained almost full from evening onwards, demonstrating its strong appeal as a regional event.
One particularly notable aspect was that approximately 70% of the attendees were women. This not only broadened the perception of the craft gin genre but also indicated that the event successfully reached those who appreciate food and atmosphere.
At the venue, spiced dishes were paired with craft gin, and the impressive arrangement centered around the food. While enjoying different gins to match the dishes, according to their aroma and taste, is not yet a common practice, this event successfully demonstrated its potential.
What particularly stood out was the sight of attendees choosing a drink that suited them while enjoying conversations with the staff across the counter.
By tasting drinks while asking for recommendations, guests naturally deepened their understanding and interest in gin, creating a memorable "experience" rather than just dining. This accumulation of communication seemed to contribute to the extended stay and high satisfaction levels.
This initiative was more than just an event; it was a step towards fostering a new culture in the Uda region.
In fact, visitors came from outside the prefecture, including Osaka and Wakayama, indicating a flow of urban culture into the region.
Furthermore, a photo exhibition titled "UDA GIN GALLERY" is scheduled to be held from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the potential site of the Uda Distillery. This endeavor aims to recontextualize event scenes and the world of gin through photographs, expanding the experience from "drinking" to "feeling." Attention is focused on how Uda's unique charm will be conveyed in the future, starting with food and human connections.