Kyoto KI NO BI "SEI" Navy Strength Dry Gin

KI NO BI (“The Beauty of the Seasons”) is inspired by tradition and is distilled, blended, and bottled in Kyoto. Their gin is made in a recognizably dry style, but with a distinct Japanese accent. It’s created using common botanicals like juniper, lemon peels and orris root, but also contains uniquely Japanese botanicals like yellow yuzu from the north of Kyoto Prefecture, hinoki wood chips (Japanese cypress), bamboo, green tea leaves (gyokuro) from the Uji region, ginger, lemon peels, pepper tree buds, and green sanshō (Japanese peppercorn) berries. It begins with a rice spirit base and pure ground water sourced from the famous sake-brewing district of Fushimi. Not only do they consider the mastering of distillation as a key fundamental, but they also focus on the age-old art of blending. They separate the gin botanicals into 6 Elements: Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral, and distil each category individually. They then blend them in perfect harmony to create the distinctive KI NO BI flavor. This KI NO BI “SEI” is just a higher proof bottling and is made according to the same intricate production method as the original. The final blend has been recalibrated by their distilling team to bring out the best of each botanical at the higher strength. It’s bottled at the traditional Royal Navy strength of 54.5% abv and retails around $80-$100. In contrast with the original 45.7% abv KI NO BI, which has a delicate and gentle profile, this 109 proof KI NO BI SEI has a thicker mouthfeel and full-bodied flavor, which is meant to work well in cocktails.
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As of June 2022, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, my “Saints Alley Bourbons” are on Total Wine shelves, and they've been very popular! Given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to keep giving you some amazing releases! Thanks for watching and remember to please drink responsibly. Cheers!

[@Abcisdabaws]

The KiNoBi Kyoto Dry Gin classic is one of my favorite gins. Time to try out the SEI, thank you for the review!

[@lordgarth1]

Just ordered it. Thanks! Now if I could only find your stuff!

[@LiquorHound]

Great to hear! Right now my Saints Alley Bourbons are in about 20 states - in Total Wine stores (but that’s expanding soon). Thank you for your comment and support! Cheers! 🥃

[@scottyblog]

Have you tried navy strength gin from Magnus? I think it’s called Vigilant. Maybe that could join this one in the running for your gin of the year.

[@LiquorHound]

Ohh, very nice suggestion! Thank you and cheers!