by Ms. Maco Jasmine from Japan

Q1. My Iron Balls Story 

The very first gift I gave my boyfriend—on Valentine’s Day—was a bottle of Iron Balls gin. I still remember how we said, “One day, let’s go to Bangkok together and visit the Iron Balls Bar.”

I used to be a wine lover, but ever since I discovered Iron Balls, I completely fell in love with gin. I wanted him to feel the same way, and that’s why I chose it as his gift.

The bottle itself is unlike any other—its shape and label radiate craftsmanship. Just holding it makes you feel special, and the bottle turns every sip into a memory. I believe everyone can sense the story and passion hidden inside that design.

⸻

Q2. The Iron Balls Ekkamai Experience

When I planned his surprise birthday celebration at Iron Balls from Tokyo, the team welcomed us warmly—and I’ll always be grateful for that. It was also my very first visit, and the moment I saw the entrance, my heart was racing with excitement.

Inside, bartender Ryan gave us a detailed tour of the space. To our delight, there was even a surprise from Iron Balls, which touched us deeply.

Our first toast, in that red-glowing, dreamlike space, was unforgettable. Sipping Iron Balls gin from a wine glass felt aromatic, elegant, and perfectly fitting for such a special night. Unlike other bars, this was not just a place to drink—it was an art form for the senses. From the lighting and music to the glasses and the staff’s gestures, every detail was designed to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

⸻

Q3. His Reaction

When I first gave him the bottle, he was so happy—it was something rare and unavailable in Japan. He also found it refreshing that it was a gin from Thailand, which made us both say, “Someday we’ll visit.”

At the bar, Ryan shared the history of Iron Balls, and my boyfriend listened with shining eyes. He was especially impressed by the beautifully displayed test batches—the early trial runs that led to the final gin.

And the best part was that “someday” actually came true—on his birthday. The smile he showed me during our first toast in that glowing space is something I’ll never forget.

⸻

Q4. Why I’m Drawn to Iron Balls

Even before visiting, I was fascinated by Iron Balls’ Facebook page. It radiates excitement and adventure. And the tiny details—even the inside of the bottle—speak of freshness and bold craftsmanship. That “bottle spirit” is something that has always drawn me in.

Thailand is also my second home. As a student, I lived with a family in Thailand and ever since then, I’ve carried a deep love for the country. That’s why discovering a Thai-born gin like Iron Balls feels so meaningful to me—almost like destiny.

And what I love most is its versatility: Iron Balls pairs beautifully not only with Thai cuisine but also with Japanese food. It adapts effortlessly to every dish.

⸻

Q5. How We Enjoy It at Home

When I visited Iron Balls in August, I bought three bottles. But before flying back to Tokyo, we actually finished one in Thailand—sharing memories of our trip as we sipped it together.

Back in Tokyo, the empty bottle became part of our home interior. Its bold design brings back vivid memories, and whenever we miss Thailand, we open another bottle and relive those moments together.

Our favorite style is simple—just gin and soda. It’s refreshing, aromatic, and pairs with almost any meal. Sometimes, we even take Iron Balls with us on our travels to make the journey more special.

Recently, we celebrated adopting a kitten by opening a bottle. Inspired by Iron Balls, we even named the kitten Martini yes, after the Martini—lol). For us, Iron Balls has become a way to celebrate life’s milestones.

⸻

Q6. Why Bar Experiences Matter

Travel is one of our biggest passions, and visiting distilleries is part of every journey. Whenever we choose a destination, we look for nearby distilleries to explore. Meeting the makers, hearing their stories, and learning about their dedication always enriches our travels.

At Iron Balls, Ryan crafted a cocktail with Thai fruits that simply couldn’t be replicated in Tokyo—even with the same recipe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime taste, unique to that place and moment.

Because the bar is run by the distillery itself, we could truly feel the warmth and love of the people working there. For us, it wasn’t just about drinking gin—it was about reflecting on what we value most. In our own work, we believe in going beyond “just selling something” and instead seeing the meaning behind it. This experience deeply resonated with that philosophy.

⸻

Q7. My Recommendation to Friends

If I had to tell my friends one thing, it would be: “Just go!” Iron Balls isn’t just about drinking gin—it’s about immersing yourself in a whole world of creativity and passion.

The glowing red atmosphere feels like stepping into another universe, where every cocktail is part of a larger story. And the warmth of the staff makes the experience unforgettable.

For those who think gin is “too strong” or “hard to drink,” Iron Balls creates custom cocktails tailored to your taste—so anyone can discover their perfect glass.

Gin itself is also growing in popularity in Japan, and what makes it so special is how the botanicals reflect the flavors of the land. At Iron Balls, that means every sip carries the essence of Thailand.

That’s why I always recommend it—whether you’re a gin lover or not, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.

⸻

Q8. A Memory That Stays With Me

My very first encounter with Iron Balls was in a small izakaya in Japan. The owner told me, “I just got a rare gin from Thailand during my buying trip,” and that’s when I first tasted it.

It paired perfectly with the food, and I enjoyed several glasses while listening to his stories of traveling to Thailand. That night, with its flavors, laughter, and stories, remains etched in my memory.

Sadly, that master passed away last year. But whenever I drink Iron Balls, I feel transported back to that moment. To me, alcohol has the power to let us time-travel—to the past, or even to the future. And Iron Balls is exactly that kind of drink.

I know I’ll continue to love it for years to come. And finally, I want to say this: Please gift Iron Balls to someone special. That single bottle has the power to create memories that last a lifetime.

⸻