Japan’s old capital, Kyoto is known as the polar opposite of bustling Tokyo. Instead of blinding neon lights, the city gets dark after sunset due to laws that restrict brightly-lit advertising of any sort. Geishas can be seen in full attire and makeup as Japan’s old ways are still very much alive here.
So, it’s only apt that a gin made in this area would be enshrouded in Japanese tradition and native ingredients like cave-aged ginger (we’ll get to that in a while).
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1614855278838134-IMAGE_007-600x401-1.jpeg)
Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin by The Kyoto Distillery is probably the second most well-known boutique gin from Japan after Roku Gin. However, the distillery is the country’s first to be fully-dedicated gin production.
Ki No Bi means ‘beauty of seasons’, and from its name you can tell that this gin is made from a variety of rare botanicals instead of just throwing in some green tea like more dubious Japanese gins do.
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image-600x400-1.jpeg)
Amongst the 11 ingredients which includes yuzu, sansho pepper, hinoki wood chips, bamboo leaves, red perilla, juniper berries and orris, the highlight has to be the cave-aged ginger.
Used together with pepper tree buds to give the gin its spiciness, the gingers are left to matured in a cave near the distillery. They add a mellow and round flavour to the gin that is quite unique to the palate.
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GQxKiNoBi_CMS_Hero-600x338-1.jpeg)
At 45.7% AVB, Ki No Bi goes well with tonic or can be enjoyed on its own with some ice as a sipping gin. Its pure floral and citrus taste is complimented by the sweetness of green tea and hand picked juniper berries.
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/the-drinks-business-1024x684.jpeg)
As a gin and tonic, Ki No Bi gives a smooth start and a sharp finish like it should. We would describe it as a gin that is not too complex yet distinctively Japanese in the best way possible.
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/qI11uUEY1611575776-768x1024.jpeg)
This easy-to-drink gin was originally released in small batches in 2016 but made waves during its officially debut a year later. Ki No Bi gin has since then won over critics and took the Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2017.
Get a bottle of Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin at our online shop now!
Or browse here for more Ki No Bi gin choices.
![](https://goodstuffmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lifestyle-asia-hk-1024x480.jpeg)