Kyoto Black Belt Label Kuro Obi Japanese Blended Whisky (2024) 70cl
Gold Medal winner in the International Spirits Challenge
Double Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
This new Kyoto distillery brought its first whiskies to the Japanese market in 2021. Since the own whiskys from the distillery are not yet 3 years old for sale, the whiskys were imported from Scotland. The special trademark of the distillery is that the bottles have a textile bottle label.
A blend of whiskies of various origins (foreign and domestic), with the grain part made according to bourbon standards with ageing in virgin casks, then combined with the malts to finish in ex-Bourbon casks.
The nose is frankly vanilla, the mouth is just as woody and vanilla and plunges us into a box of dried fruits. The finish is long and confirms these notes of raisins and sweet spices including vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.
The Kyoto Miyako distillery in the northwest of the city is ideally located along the Yura River in an area that is sparsely populated and not very suitable for agricultural activity. The water is therefore of great purity. There are two stills in this distillery. They are used in an original way, since each still is specialized, one for the first distillation and the other for the second distillation. The first is a still with an elongated swan neck, and the other is squat and rounded.
In this product you will also find another ancient art from Kyoto, ” Nishijin-Ori ” is used as the label. And the label is used as obi to create an elegant and beautiful design. This type of woven label comes from the Heian-Kyo era, more than 1200 years ago. Nishijin-ori is a generic term used for dyed yarns that are woven into high quality products in Kyoto, and these are produced in large variety but small volumes. The fabric used feels very soft. This craftsmanship is developed in this region and is famous not only in Kyoto but all over the world as a silky product that represents Japa
TASTING NOTES
The nose is nice and spicy, with a nature very close to that of rye rather than bourbon: salted caramel, nutmeg galore, molasses, macadamia. The initial buoyancy tends to fade over time, allowing aspects of baked apple, very ripe banana and malt cream to emerge, with a slight hint of fatty cheese and the wood spices always very present. Sweet but not cloying.
In the mouth, the spicy component remains intense but not predominant, leaving room for roasted cane sugar, fruit (apple, pineapple, banana, chinotto), vegetable notes and again the malt, which gives warmth and body. Nuts and caramel accompany in the background, and over time the vegetal part tends to raise the tone with a bitter streak of rhubarb and cinchona
The finish is quite long and dry, where the vegetal notes are punctuated by spices, brown sugar, nuts and malt.
About Kyoto Nishijin
Kyoto Nishijin whisky, produced by Kyoto Miyako Distillery, is a testament to the distillery's commitment to traditional whisky-making methods while embracing modern innovation. The whisky is crafted using locally sourced malt and is aged in barrels that benefit from the highland weather, resulting in a whisky that is both rich and complex. The Nishijin Ori Kuro 700ml is a prime example, offering a unique blend of flavors that include hints of dark fruits, caramel, and a subtle smokiness. This whisky is not only a beverage but also a work of art, with its name paying homage to the ancient textile crafting techniques of the Nishijin district. The distillery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bottle of Kyoto Nishijin whisky, making it a true representation of the cultural depth that Kyoto embodies
Our labels showcase Kyoto’s traditional craft, ‘Nishijin-ori’ (Nishijin weaving), adorned with an elegant and vibrant design reminiscent of a kimono obi. This unique whisky, a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sensibilities, aims to convey the charm of Kyoto.
The concept of ‘craftsmanship’ extends beyond products to encompass contributions to a thriving society through our business endeavors.
Amidst Kyoto’s rich history, traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty, we dedicate ourselves to the art of spirits making. Embracing traditional brewing methods within this abundant, culturally significant setting, we aim to preserve the essence of traditional manufacturing while exploring new flavors. Our goal is to establish a company deeply rooted in the heart of Kyoto.
As a first step, we have chosen to incorporate Kyoto’s renowned traditional craft, ‘Nishijin-ori’ (Nishijin weaving), into our products. By venturing into new avenues of spirits production appreciated as souvenirs, we aim to create whiskies that embody the unique value of being available only in this region.
Furthermore, we commit to fulfilling our responsibility as a company dedicated to the sustainable development of Kyoto. This includes offering environmentally conscious products and growing in tandem with the local community, ensuring that our whiskies contribute to the region’s sustainable growth.
46% ABV
70cl
