Distillery

Kaikyo

Explore the spirits, production style and story of Kaikyo.

Kaikyo (Kaikyō Distillery) is the distillation project of the Akashi Sake Brewery, based in Akashi (Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan). It produces craft gins such as the 135° East Hyogo Dry Gin, which combines traditional London Dry botanicals with typically Japanese ingredients and a touch of Junmai sake distillate.
gin Japanese gin Hyogo Dry Gin Japanese whisky small-batch craft spirits
Producer range

Producer range Kaikyo

Spirit categories

gin Japanese gin Hyogo Dry Gin Japanese whisky small-batch craft spirits

Representative products

135° East Hyogo Dry Gin 70cl Hatozaki (whisky line - produced/affiliated with Kaikyō Distillery)

Raw materials

juniper berries coriander angelica sencha (green tea) yuzu shiso (leaf) ume (plum) sansho pepper Junmai sake distillate (splash)

Casks and ageing vessels

American oak Mizunara (Japanese oak) Sakura (cherry wood)
Distillation and production

Distillation and production

Production method

Small-batch production; individual botanicals are distilled separately using vacuum distillation to preserve aromatic notes, then assembled into blends. Some products are topped with a small addition of the company's Junmai sake distillate.

Distillation

Vacuum distillation of individual botanicals, distilled separately and then blended; a small portion of Junmai sake distillate is added for the gin.

Ageing

For aged products (whisky) use of a warehouse of wooden casks/ovuove; aging in casks of various woods available in the distillery's cellar.

Producer history Kaikyo

Kaikyō Distillery was created as an extension of Akashi Sake Brewery (active for over a century) and was established to expand production into gin and whisky. The official site indicates Kaikyō Distillery began operations in 2017, founded by Kimio Yonezawa to honor the family's tradition in alcohol production and to celebrate the company's centenary.

Production philosophy

To combine the approach and structure of London Dry with local Japanese botanicals, highlighting ingredients supplied by small producers and preserving their aromas through gentle distillation techniques. The aim is to create spirits with a strong personality that blend tradition and innovation, with a deep connection to Akashi's maritime territory.

Territory

Akashi, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The distillery overlooks the Akashi Strait (Seto Inland Sea) and takes its name from the nearby Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge; the maritime climate is cited as a defining element of the spirits.

Kaikyo

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