Ki No Bi 'Sei' Kyoto Dry Gin

KI NO BI ‘Sei’ Kyoto Dry Gin is a bold and luxurious expression of Japanese gin, bottled at traditional Navy Strength. Crafted with the same artistry as the original KI NO BI, this powerful release heightens the distinctive flavours of Kyoto’s botanicals – from fragrant yuzu and green tea to spicy sanshō pepper and warming ginger. The result is an elegant yet full-bodied gin that balances intensity with remarkable harmony, perfect for sipping neat or elevating classic cocktails.

Tasting Notes & Experience

A vivid nose of bright yuzu citrus, pine buds, and green herbs, underpinned by soft spice and chamomile. The palate is punchy and mouth-filling, bursting with lemon zest, coriander seed, and creamy juniper at the core. The finish is long and invigorating, with lifted spice and a lingering warmth that showcases the gin’s Navy Strength character while retaining finesse.

Key Details

• Producer: Kyoto Distillery
• Type: London Dry Gin (Navy Strength)
• Region: Kyoto, Japan
• ABV: 54.5%
• Volume: 700ml
• Botanicals: Juniper, yuzu, lemon, sanshō pepper, ginger, gyokuro green tea, bamboo leaves, red shiso, kinome, orris root, akamatsu (Japanese red pine)
• Signature Serve: SEI G&T with premium tonic, ice, and a garnish of orange peel, lemon zest, or fresh ginger

Cocktail Pairings

Designed for bold, classic serves, KI NO BI ‘Sei’ shines in:

• SEI G&T – A vibrant and powerful twist on the classic gin & tonic
• SEI Negroni – The Navy Strength character adds depth to this iconic cocktail
• KI NO BI on the Rocks – Sip neat over ice to appreciate its complexity

Craftsmanship

Like the original KI NO BI, SEI is crafted with a rice spirit base and pure Fushimi water. The botanicals are divided into six categories – Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice, and Fruity & Floral – distilled separately and then blended with meticulous precision. At 54.5% ABV, each element is recalibrated to ensure balance and harmony while delivering a more intense and robust flavour profile. The result is a Navy Strength gin that reflects both Kyoto tradition and modern craftsmanship.

Special Features

Bottled at Navy Strength, KI NO BI ‘Sei’ offers a richer mouthfeel and full-bodied flavour, making it ideal for cocktails. Its design and presentation honour Japanese aesthetics, while the use of locally sourced botanicals such as yuzu, gyokuro tea, and sanshō pepper give it a truly distinctive sense of place.

Recognition & Accolades

This exceptional gin has achieved widespread acclaim at global competitions:

• Master – Spirits Masters Asia, 2021
• Gold – Global Gin Masters, 2022
• Gold – Spirits Masters Asia, 2022
• Gold – Gin Masters, 2020 & 2019
• Silver – World Gin Awards, 2022
• Silver – International Spirits Challenge, 2021
• 93/100 Points – Guia Penin

KI NO BI SEI has also earned consistent silver medals at the IWSC and ISC, alongside recognition from Falstaff (90 points), and was named Gin Producer of the Year at the 2021 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Powerful yet elegant, KI NO BI ‘Sei’ is a connoisseur’s gin – equally at home in a bold Negroni as it is served neat over ice. With its striking bottle and premium heritage, it makes an unforgettable gift for any gin lover.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.

'Sei' vs Dry Gins

Compared to the original KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin (45.7% ABV), KI NO BI ‘Sei’ is bottled at Navy Strength (54.5% ABV), delivering a bolder, more intense flavour. While KI NO BI offers delicate harmony and refinement, SEI brings power and depth, making it the ideal choice for martinis, Negronis, or those who enjoy a fuller-bodied gin.