Distillery
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.
- Akashi · Hyōgo · Japan
- Since 2017
- 1 product
The story
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.
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.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Akashi
- Categories
- gin
- Japanese gin
- Hyogo Dry Gin
- Japanese whisky
- small-batch craft spirits
- 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)
- Representative products
- 135° East Hyogo Dry Gin 70cl
- Hatozaki (whisky line - produced/affiliated with Kaikyō Distillery)
What makes it distinctive
- Part of Akashi Sake Brewery; the distillation project is the natural extension of the historic Akashi company.
- 135° East is named after the 135° East meridian that passes through Akashi.
- Use of vacuum distillation to preserve the most delicate notes of the botanicals.
- The gin is characterized by the addition of a small proportion of Junmai sake distillate.
- Cellar with American oak, mizunara and sakura wood casks for spirit aging.