Kyoto Distillery updates KI NO BI SEI bottle

The Kyoto Distillery has updated the packaging for its higher strength gin, KI NO BI SEI.

Evolving from 2017’s KI NO BI Navy Strength, SEI (meaning ‘power’ or ‘might’) is made by the same production method as the original KI NO BI; 11 botanicals are distilled in six flavour categories.

The expression, a semi-permanent addition to the distillery’s core range, has been relaunched following last year’s inaugural release. With limited quantities, KI NO BI SEI will be released in two phases in 2018 in Europe and Japan with availability in Europe from early July.

David Croll, founding partner of The Kyoto Distillery says: “Once again, response in Japan to KI NO BI SEI has been very strong; we could have sold our allocation four times over within a week of launch. However, we are keen to support our overseas distribution partners by ensuring they enjoy access to our limited edition bottlings.”

The new packaging emphasises the hand-crafted nature of KI NO BI SEI, the design of the screen-printed label is taken from a woodblock from the 1600s and uses images representing berries and fruit bringing botanicals to mind. The oldest karakami atelier in Japan, Kira Karacho, founded in Kyoto in 1624, is the source of the original Edo pattern which inspired the design.

KI NO BI SEI will be available from early July in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Portugal.

10 July 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor