Thank you for the opportunity to visit the Black Forest Distillery the other day. I wish I could have met you then, but I understand you had important family plans. Instead, I have prepared the following questions. We will conduct this as an email interview, and I would be grateful for your cooperation.

Q1 Gin was once synonymous with cheap and drunk liquor, but it is seen as the most trendy item by appearance of craft gin. How do you view these changes in values? What kind of existence does "MONKEY 47" aim at in that?
Gin was once synonymous with cheap and drunk liquor, but it is seen as the most trendy item by appearance of craft gin. How do you view these changes in values? What kind of existence does "MONKEY 47" aim at in that?

A1 "MONKEY 47" was the trigger for the change of the perception towards gin. It is probably a battle that we have somehow initiated. And for sure: Quality is always your best bet.
I believe "MONKEY 47" was the catalyst for that change. The craft gin segment itself may have been pioneered by "MONKEY 47." Within that, we are, of course, a brand that prioritizes quality (I believe it's the wisest bet).

Q2 "MONKEY 47" has a style that tries to capture the image of a gentleman from the good old days. What is influenced you and what are you aiming for? Are there any specific sources? ("Esquire" from the 1950s to the 1970s, or "MONOCLE")
"MONKEY 47" has a style that tries to capture the image of a gentleman from the good old days. What is influenced you and what are you aiming for? Are there any specific sources? ("Esquire" from the 1950s to the 1970s, or "MONOCLE")

A2 We do things we like to do – very simple. And we see the world with open eyes, so all is inspiration…
It’s very simple; we just do what we want to do. And we always keep our eyes open to the world, because that is the source of all inspiration.

Take a look at the experimental design of "MONKEY 47." It's quite different from the visual identity of gin up until now, isn't it? First, the shape of the bottle. It resembles an old-fashioned apothecary bottle. The brown color that blocks UV rays, the compact bottle size, and the cork cap are also unique.

Q3 I read "MONKEY DRUM". In this, the world view of "MONKEY 47" is introduced from a multifaceted perspective like lifestyle magazines. Why did you make such a booklet?
*I think it is a blissful time to drink "MONKEY 47" while reading this booklet.
I read "MONKEY DRUM." In this, the world view of "MONKEY 47" is introduced from a multifaceted perspective like lifestyle magazines. Why did you make such a booklet?
*I think it is a blissful time to drink "MONKEY 47" while reading this booklet.

A3 …you just answer your own question…
As you yourself answered: it was made for blissful moments.

Q4 The "Distillery’s Cut of "MONKEY 47" is a very avant-garde concept, but why do you need such an aggressive attitude?
The "Distillery’s Cut of "MONKEY 47" is a very avant-garde concept, but why do you need such an aggressive attitude?

A4 It has to be a good idea not necessarily avant-garde – but it is a lot of fun.
I believe it needs to be a good idea, but not necessarily avant-garde. However, challenging ourselves is a lot of fun.

The "Experimentum Series" aims to expand the possibilities of aroma and overturn common sense. In addition to the state-of-the-art distillation technology of the Black Forest Distillery, we continue to research to find innovative aroma extraction methods, creating a unique and avant-garde series that transcends common sense. The first in this series, "MONKEY47 Experimentum Series2y01 Tokyo", uses sansho pepper, which has roots in Japan, as a botanical. It is fat-washed (※) with Kobe beef tallow for aroma. The addictive, delicate spiciness and citrus notes of sansho pepper are enveloped by the mellow, silky texture of the Kobe beef tallow.

*Fat-washing is a technique where animal fat is added to alcohol, cooled, and the oil is solidified and removed, leaving only the flavor of the fat. It is a flavor extraction method that has recently gained attention among mixologists and bartenders.

MONKEY47 Experimentum Series2y01 Tokyo
MONKEY 47 Experimentum Series 2y01: Tokyo
Alcohol content | 47%
Category | Spirits
Volume | 500ml
Limited | World limited to 500 bottles *No domestic retail sales planned

Q5 What is the "MONKEY 47" brand? What is the reason why you stick to everything, including the world view, the information that is transmitted, and the design of the distillery?
What is the "MONKEY 47" brand for you, Alexander? What is the reason why you stick to everything, including its world view, the information it conveys, and the architectural design of the distillery?

A5 I think it is very simple: It is not difficult to do things less well…
It’s very simple. It’s difficult and rewarding to be meticulous…

Q6 What is your favorite about Schwartzwalt?
What do you like about the Black Forest, Alexander?

A6 Schwartzwalt is the hometown of “MONKEY 47”
It is the hometown of "MONKEY 47."

Q7 Is there an ideal Bar that you like? What kind of space is it?
Do you have an ideal bar in mind, Alexander? What kind of space is it?

A7 A bar that is open.
A bar with an open atmosphere.

Q8 Looking back on yourself, what do you think led to the success of Monkey 47? And what do you think you are?
Looking back on yourself, what do you think led to the success of "MONKEY 47"? And what kind of personality do you think you have?

A8 It is the combination of a good idea, hard work and passion for what you do. About my personality – it is best to ask my mother.
I believe the combination of a good idea, hard work, and passion for what you do led to its success. (About my personality... please ask my mother.)

Q9 How do you want to grow "MONKEY 47" in the future?
How do you want to grow "MONKEY 47" in the future?

A9 We keep on doing what we are doing.
We will continue to do what we are doing.

Q10 What kind of world do you think is "stylish"?
What kind of world view do you consider "stylish," Alexander?

A10 Not following a trend.
Not being swayed by trends.