The Collection
Kyoto’s first distillery — where 1,200 years of refinement meet the art of the still.
Kyoto Shuzo is the first distillery ever established in Kyoto — a city world-renowned for its 1,200-year history as the cultural and spiritual heart of Japan. Located in the picturesque Kyotamba highlands, the distillery benefits from a dramatic day-to-night temperature difference that accelerates aging, imparting deep, complex character to the spirits in a shorter window of time.
The mission is to create a distinctly Kyoto style of whisky: pure mountain spring water married with meticulously selected malts and grains, finished with hand-painted Nishijin-ori silk labels — one of Japan's most celebrated traditional textiles. Authenticity and innovation, in every bottle. Gold medal performances at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge confirm the world is paying attention.
The Spirit of the Ancient Capital
The Kyotamba microclimate is unlike anywhere else in Japan. Dramatic temperature swings between day and night — the highland mist rolling in from the surrounding mountains — create an aging environment that cannot be replicated. Casks develop character faster, and with a complexity that speaks unmistakably of place. Add to this the pristine waters of the Kura River, used throughout production, and you have a terroir-driven whisky that is as much about landscape as it is about craft.
Each bottle is finished by hand with a Nishijin-ori label — a traditional Kyoto silk textile woven using techniques passed down through centuries. The Purple Belt signifies nobility; the Red Belt, passion and warmth; the Black Belt, strength and mastery. These are not just whiskies. They are collector's objects that celebrate one of Japan's most revered cultural traditions.
A sensory progression from delicate and balanced to bold and sophisticated.
The signature expression — a harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskies. Delicate and balanced with notes of vanilla, sweet malt, and a hint of floral elegance. The purple Nishijin-ori label symbolises nobility and the refined Kyoto aesthetic.
A higher proportion of malt creates a richer, more structured mouthfeel. Deep toasted oak, honeyed fruit, and a lingering spicy finish. The vibrant red Nishijin-ori reflects the energy and passion of the craft — for those who appreciate a bolder spirit.
The pinnacle of the range — a premium malt whisky that handles smoke and spice with sophistication. Dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a subtle, luxurious smoky undertone. The black Nishijin-ori label signifies strength and the mastery of the distiller's art.
Available Now
From the delicate Purple Belt blend to the bold Black Belt malt — Kyoto’s finest whiskies available exclusively through Wine Kin.
Wine Kin Exclusives
Browse the full Exclusives range — wines we stand behind, from makers we believe in.
Explore All Exclusives
