Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin

Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is a refined and distinctive expression from The Kyoto Distillery, Japan’s first dedicated gin producer. This gin reimagines the classic 18th-century Old Tom style through a Japanese lens, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

At its core, Ki No Tou is based on the distillery's flagship Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin, which is meticulously crafted using a selection of local botanicals:

• Juniper berries, orris root, and akamatsu (Japanese red pine) form the base.
• Yuzu and lemon provide bright citrus notes.
• Gyokuro green tea, ginger, red shiso, bamboo leaves, sanshō pepper, and kinome (sanshō leaf) contribute herbal and spicy nuances.
  

What sets Ki No Tou apart is its post-distillation sweetening with kokutō, a traditional black sugar from Yonaguni Island in Okinawa. Dating back to the 17th century, kokutō is known for its rich mineral content and deep, earthy sweetness, which adds complexity to the gin.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: A complex bouquet featuring the sweetness of kokutō intertwined with piney juniper, delicate gyokuro tea, and a hint of sanshō pepper.

Palate: Initial notes of dates and juniper give way to warming candied ginger, creating a rich and layered mouthfeel.

Finish: A long-lasting yuzu marmalade finish leaves a refreshing and slightly tart aftertaste .

The bottle's label, designed in collaboration with Kira Karacho, a Kyoto-based karakami atelier established in 1624, features two kanji characters meaning "island" and "sugar," paying homage to the gin's unique ingredients and cultural roots .

With an ABV of 47% and presented in a 700ml bottle, Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin offers a sophisticated and nuanced experience, bridging the gap between traditional English gin styles and Japanese artisanal craftsmanship.