Description

Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin Bottling Note

Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is a unique and distinguished gin crafted by the Kyoto Distillery, Japan’s first dedicated artisanal gin distillery. The distillery was established in 2014 by David Croll and Noriko Tsutsumi, with the aim of creating a premium gin that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto. The distillery obtained its spirits manufacturing license in August 2016 and has since become renowned for its innovative and high-quality products.

The creation of Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin was inspired by the traditional Old Tom style of gin, which dates back to the 18th century. This style originally emerged as a sweeter alternative to the harsher gins of the time, with sugar added to balance the flavors. The Kyoto Distillery sought to revive this classic style with a Japanese twist, using locally sourced ingredients to create a gin that is both authentic and unique. Ki No Tou was first introduced at the Tokyo International Bar Show in 2018, marking its debut as Japan’s first Old Tom gin.

The manufacturing process of Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin begins with the distillation of the classic Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin, which serves as the base. This gin is crafted using a blend of 11 botanicals, including juniper berries, orris root, red pine, yuzu, lemon, gyokuro tea, ginger, red shiso, bamboo leaves, sansho pepper, and kinome. After distillation, the gin is sweetened with kokuto, a type of black sugar from Yonaguni Island in Okinawa. This post-distillation addition of kokuto not only imparts a rich sweetness but also enhances the complexity of the gin with its mineral-rich flavor profile.

Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is characterized by its harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. The kokuto adds a distinctive sweetness that complements the piney juniper, the umami-rich gyokuro tea, and the spicy sansho pepper. On the palate, one can expect hints of dates and juniper, followed by warming notes of candied ginger and a long-lasting finish of yuzu marmalade. The gin’s complexity and depth make it a versatile spirit, suitable for sipping neat or as a base for classic cocktails like the Tom Collins or Negroni.

When compared to other gins, Ki No Tou stands out for its use of kokuto, which sets it apart from the more commonly used white sugar in other Old Tom gins. This gives it a unique flavor profile that is richer and more complex. Additionally, the use of Japanese botanicals such as yuzu, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper adds a distinctively Japanese character to the gin, differentiating it from Western counterparts. While traditional Old Tom gins are known for their sweetness, Ki No Tou offers a more nuanced and layered experience, making it a standout choice for gin enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

In summary, Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the Kyoto Distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Its unique combination of Japanese botanicals and kokuto creates a gin that is both familiar and novel, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight and intrigue.

Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin Tasting Note

Nose: The aroma of Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is inviting and complex, with an initial burst of sweet kokuto sugar mingling with the fresh, citrusy notes of yuzu. Subtle hints of juniper and pine provide a classic gin backbone, while the delicate fragrance of gyokuro tea and a whisper of ginger add depth and intrigue.

Palate: On the palate, this gin reveals a harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of kokuto sugar is immediately apparent, balanced by the earthy and slightly bitter notes of orris root and red shiso. The juniper’s piney character is complemented by the umami richness of gyokuro tea, while the spicy warmth of sansho pepper and ginger adds a delightful kick. The citrusy brightness of yuzu and lemon rounds out the profile, creating a well-rounded and multi-layered tasting experience.

Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with the sweetness of kokuto lingering on the tongue. As the sweetness fades, it gives way to the zesty and slightly tart notes of yuzu marmalade, leaving a refreshing and clean aftertaste. The subtle warmth of ginger and the peppery tingle of sansho provide a gentle, lingering spice that invites another sip.

Overall: Ki No Tou Kyoto Old Tom Gin is a masterful expression of balance and complexity. Its unique combination of Japanese botanicals and kokuto sugar creates a gin that is both familiar and novel. The interplay of sweet, citrusy, and spicy notes makes it a versatile spirit. This gin stands out for its rich and layered flavor profile, offering a delightful journey for the senses with each sip.