Ethical Spirits distilled surplus beer, rendered excess due to the COVID-19 pandemic, into a special gin. "REVIVE" was released in limited quantities starting Friday, September 4, 2020.

Ethical Spirits is a distilling venture that produces new-generation gin and whiskey. Operating under the motto "a distilling platform that realizes a circular economy," they have previously produced craft gin by re-distilling sake lees, a byproduct generated at the end of the sake production process.

This initiative involved collaboration with Anheuser-Busch InBev Japan, which globally markets the "Budweiser" brand, and the long-established sake brewery Gekkeikan. Approximately 80,000 servings of beer, rendered surplus due to the cancellation of events amid the COVID-19 pandemic, were revived as gin.

Ethical Spirits provided Gekkeikan with the technology to distill beer into gin. Utilizing this technology, Gekkeikan distilled the beer originally slated for disposal, while Budweiser supplied the beer, completing "REVIVE."

"REVIVE" was developed with the aim of creating a gin with innovative aroma and flavor, while respecting the brewing methods and heritage of Budweiser. The base spirit, distilled from Budweiser, was infused and distilled with juniper berries, hops, and lemon peel. Subsequently, juniper berries, beech chips, and cinnamon were added, followed by the incorporation of beer and brown sugar, resulting in a "compound gin" with a light yet elegant taste.

Furthermore, Budweiser launched the cultural support project "RE:CONNECT" for the entertainment industry, which is facing an unprecedented crisis with losses amounting to 175 billion yen due to the impact of COVID-19. Ethical Spirits will also contribute a portion of the sales from "REVIVE" to support artists and businesses in difficult situations.