Winner Brands
Meet the Winners of 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards
Our Products
2026
Kyo Wakan Dry Gin Forest of Kyoto
Gin
95 Points
Kyo Wakan Dry Gin Moon of Kyoto
Gin
93 Points
Natural Spirits Inc. (MORINO KYOTO DISTILLERY)
Japan
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Rooted in the spirit and craftsmanship of a sake brewery established in 1860, MORINO KYOTO DISTILLERY has taken a bold step forward as a distillery designed to captivate. Our mission is to elevate the time-honored traditions of Japanese sake-making into the esteemed world of Western craft gin. By harnessing Kyoto’s carefully selected botanicals and traditional herbs, and applying proprietary fermentation techniques, we create spirits that embody both heritage and innovation.
Inspired by the belief that gin originated as a medicinal spirit, our products are crafted with the intention of offering moments of wellness and richness. We strive not merely to produce alcohol, but to create spirits that gently nurture both body and soul. Situated in Kyoto—a land where ancient heritage and contemporary culture harmoniously coexist—our distillery draws deep inspiration from its surroundings. We are committed to preserving the integrity of our brand while curating experiences worthy of the refined venues that share our values.
Our production also incorporates the architecture, spirit, and techniques of an Edo-period sake brewery. From within the historic kura (brewery building), we isolated and cultivated a native microorganism—Weizmannia sp. K-1860—that had long inhabited the space. The fermentation extract, created through botanical fermentation with this unique strain, is used as a core botanical in our distillation process, adding aromatic depth while weaving the essence of Japanese culture into every bottle.