Ki One Distillery Jung One Korean Single Malt Gin

Jung One is a very distinctive gin that blends Korean terroir and local botanicals with a malt-based spirit base. Its concept as a “single malt gin” sets it apart from many gins that use neutral grain spirit. The malt component gives it extra texture and depth, while the use of Korean ingredients (perilla, sansho, pine needles, ginseng) brings regional identity. It’s a gin made for sipping or for cocktails that allow its complexity to shine.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Distillery / Brand: Produced by Ki One Distillery / Three Societies, in Namyangju, South Korea. 

• Style: It is marketed as “Korea’s first gin made entirely from malted barley” — i.e. the base spirit is a single malt spirit (not neutral grain).

• Botanicals: It features 11 botanicals, combining classic gin elements and Korean ingredients: juniper, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, lemon & orange peel; also pine needle, lavender, chopi (Korean sansho peppercorn), baby ginseng, and perilla leaf. 

• Distillation / Process:
   1. The malt spirit is twice distilled first.
   2. Botanicals are macerated in that spirit for ~24 hours.
   3. A third distillation is done in a 1,000-L copper pot still. 

• ABV / Strength: Bottled at 47% ABV. 

• Filtration & Additives: Non-chill filtered. 

Tasting Profile

Serving & Pairings

• Serve / Use:
   • Neat, over a large ice cube to appreciate the botanicals and malt texture.
   • In a Gin & Tonic, perhaps with a citrus twist to highlight the botanicals.
   • As a Martini / Gin Martini where the character of the gin is front and center.

• Food Pairings:
   • Fresh seafood, especially shellfish or fish with light herbs, citrus — the herbal / pine notes align nicely.
   • Korean / East Asian cuisine (e.g. grilled meats with gochujang glaze or herbal sauces) might echo the local botanicals.
   • Soft cheeses or herb cheeses (goat cheese, fromage blanc)
   • Light citrus desserts, herb desserts (lemon tart, mint / tea desserts)

Quick Overview