Distillery
Kyoto Distillery
Kyoto Distillery is the Japanese producer behind the KI NO BI brand, a project specialized in producing premium craft gin with a strong territorial identity tied to Kyoto.
- Kyoto · Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
- Since 2015
- 2 products
The story
The structure behind the brand was established in 2015 and the first product (KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin) was launched in 2016. In 2020 The Kyoto Distillery initiated a strategic partnership/investment with Pernod Ricard; in the following years the brand expanded its international presence and planned the construction of a new low-impact distillery in Kyoto Prefecture (announced in 2024, with openings/products related to the project in 2025).
Production philosophy
Strong focus on the Kyoto territory: use of local ingredients, collaboration with local artisans and producers, and the intention to concentrate expertise on a single product (gin) to achieve balance and quality. Expressed values: harmony ('konwa'), seasonality and craft mastery.
Territory
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (city of Kyoto; new facility announced in the city of Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture).
Awards and recognition
International recognitions, including the IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year (reported among the awards listed by the brand).
Production method
Botanicals are divided into six groups ('6 Elements'). Botanicals are macerated in a rice neutral spirit; each group is distilled separately; the resulting distillates are then blended, left to 'marry' and diluted with Fushimi water to achieve the final profile.
Distillation
Maceration of botanicals in rice spirit; separate distillation of each botanicals group (6 Elements); blending and a period of 'marrying' with local water to harmonize flavors.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Kyoto
- Categories
- gin
- Japanese craft gin
- Kyoto dry gin
- premium gin
- small-batch gin
- Raw materials
- rice (for neutral spirit)
- Fushimi water
- Representative products
- KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin 70cl
- KI NO TEA Kyoto Dry Gin 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- First facility dedicated to gin in the city of Kyoto (brand built around the 'KI NO BI' concept).
- Uses rice neutral spirit and the pure water of the Fushimi area.
- Recipe based on 11 botanicals divided into 6 groups, distilled individually and then assembled.
- Partnership/strategic investment with Pernod Ricard (announced in 2020).