Kyoto KI NO BI Gin 700ml

Kyoto KI NO BI Gin 700ml is a citrus-forward Japanese gin that balances bright yuzu and lemon with the subtle earthiness of hinoki cypress, bamboo leaf, and gyokuro green tea. Distilled at The Kyoto Distillery—Japan’s first dedicated artisanal gin distillery—this 45.7% ABV spirit is built on a rice spirit base and blended with pure water from Fushimi, the famous sake-brewing district. The distillery’s founders, Noriko Kakuda Croll, David Croll, and Marcin Miller, created a unique production method that separates botanicals into six categories: base, citrus, tea, herbal, spice, and floral, distilling each group individually before blending.

Buy KI NO BI Kyoto Gin Online in NZ

Nose: Bright yuzu and lemon zest lead, followed by delicate notes of hinoki wood, green tea, and a whisper of shiso leaf. The aromatics are fresh and inviting, with just enough juniper to remind you this is a classic dry gin.

Palate: Citrus dominates the front palate with yuzu and lemon, then transitions into green sansho peppercorn tingle and bamboo leaf earthiness. The rice spirit base provides a soft, rounded texture that carries the botanicals without heat or harshness.

Finish: Long, dry, and exceptionally clean, with lingering yuzu and red shiso interplay tied together by juniper. There’s a subtle peppery warmth that fades gracefully without bitterness.

This gin shines in a classic gin and tonic—pair it with a premium tonic water and a twist of lemon peel to let the citrus botanicals sing. It also excels in a Martini, where the delicate tea and floral notes can be appreciated neat, and works beautifully in a Negroni if you prefer a less bitter, more aromatic take on the classic serve.

KI NO BI is ideal for gin enthusiasts who appreciate craft distillation and Japanese botanicals, home bartenders looking to explore beyond London Dry styles, and anyone seeking a thoughtful gift for a spirits collector. The striking bottle design and limited production make it a standout addition to any home bar.

A refined choice for those who value provenance, meticulous blending, and a gin that brings something distinctly different to the glass.