KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin

KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin (‘The Beauty of the Seasons’) is a pioneering Japanese gin that artfully balances centuries-old tradition with modern distilling mastery. Distilled, blended, and bottled in Kyoto, it captures the serene spirit of Japan through a medley of distinctive botanicals – from aromatic yuzu to fragrant hinoki wood, bamboo, and gyokuro tea – creating a refined gin of remarkable depth and harmony.

Tasting Notes & Experience

On the nose, a bright, refreshing wave of yuzu citrus, gently lifted by green sanshō pepper and whispers of bamboo. The palate reveals a seamless interplay of juniper, tea, and herbal spice, with warming ginger adding texture and balance. The finish lingers long, elegant, and subtly spiced, evoking the calm beauty of a Kyoto forest at dawn.

Key Details

• Producer: The Kyoto Distillery
• Type: Dry Gin
• Region: Kyoto, Japan
• ABV: 45.7%
• Volume: 700ml
• Botanicals: Juniper, yuzu, lemon, sanshō pepper, ginger, bamboo leaves, gyokuro green tea, orris root, red shiso, akamatsu (red pine)
• Signature Serve: KI NO BI & Tonic with ice and a twist of lemon peel or yuzu zest

Cocktail Pairings

Elegant and versatile, KI NO BI shines in a crisp KI NO BI Sonic, the citrus-forward Yuzu Gimlet, or a refreshing Matcha Tonic. For classic sophistication, enjoy it in a Martini or Negroni, where its balance of citrus and spice brings an unmistakably Japanese flair.

Craftsmanship

The Kyoto Distillery, Japan’s first dedicated gin distillery, employs a rice spirit base and pure Fushimi water, famed for centuries in sake brewing. Botanicals are carefully separated into six categories – Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice, and Fruity & Floral – before being distilled individually and blended with extraordinary precision. This method produces a gin of rare complexity, a seamless expression of harmony and balance deeply rooted in Kyoto tradition.

Special Features

Every element of KI NO BI reflects Japanese artistry – from its botanicals sourced across Kyoto Prefecture, to its rice spirit base and bespoke blending method. The name ‘KI NO BI’, meaning “The Beauty of the Seasons”, pays homage to Japan’s changing landscapes and seasonal produce. Its elegant packaging echoes minimalist Japanese design, ensuring it is as striking on the shelf as it is in the glass.

Recognition & Accolades

KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin has received widespread acclaim as one of the world’s most awarded Japanese gins, including:

• Trophy – International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2018
• Winner – World Gin Awards, London Dry Gin, 2022
• Gold – Global Gin Masters, 2022
• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021
• Gold – Gin Masters (The Spirits Business), 2019 & 2021
• Gold – International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2019
• 93/100 Points – IWSC, 2021

Additional medals from the NZ Spirits Awards, Spirits Challenge, and SIP Awards further affirm its status as a benchmark in Japanese gin craftsmanship.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Elegant, distinctive, and exquisitely Japanese, KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin is the perfect choice for moments of quiet indulgence or as a refined gift. Its unique flavour journey and beautiful presentation make it a remarkable expression of Japanese artistry in spirits.

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

The original KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin (45.7% ABV) is crafted as a refined, elegant expression, showcasing delicate harmony between juniper, bright yuzu, gyokuro tea, and sanshō pepper. It is smooth, balanced, and nuanced – perfect for those who appreciate subtlety and finesse in their gin. By contrast, KI NO BI ‘Sei’ is bottled at Navy Strength (54.5% ABV), amplifying the same botanicals to create greater intensity, structure, and power on the palate. While the Dry Gin excels in light, refreshing serves such as a classic G&T or sonic, SEI comes into its own in bolder cocktails like martinis and Negronis, where its fuller body and robust depth truly shine.