The Kyoto Distillery, home to the renowned Ki No Bi gin, is set to inaugurate a cutting-edge carbon-neutral distillery in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, by autumn 2025.
Managed by Antonio Sanchez Villarreal, this ambitious €25 million project marks a significant milestone for The Kyoto Distillery and Ki No Bi gin amid rising global demand for Japanese craft spirits. The new facility will utilize renewable electricity sourced from wind, water, solar, and geothermal energy to power its operations, emphasizing a strong commitment to sustainability and safety.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey towards a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral distillery,” commented Villarreal. “As part of Pernod Ricard, this strategic investment underscores our dedication to enhancing the brand’s footprint while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.”
Ki No Bi, which translates to ‘the beauty of the seasons’ in Japanese, distinguishes itself with a unique blend of high-quality rice spirit and 11 locally sourced botanicals. The brand recently celebrated the commencement of construction with a traditional Japanese ground-breaking ceremony, complete with blessings from a Shinto Shrine master, ensuring the smooth progress and prosperity of the distillery.
“We remain steadfast in our farm-to-consumer philosophy, integrating local botanicals and ingredients,” added Hiroyuki Nagai, Head of Distillery Operations and Strategic Projects. “Ki No Bi embodies Japanese craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, positioning itself as the preferred ultra-premium gin on the global stage.”
The new distillery represents a pivotal step in Ki No Bi’s journey, aligning tradition with innovation to meet evolving market demands and expand its global presence in the ultra-premium spirits category.
