Kinkan-Giou

― A mead aged in wooden barrels to express the vibrant bitterness of kumquats

I wanted to create a mead using fruit that pairs perfectly with honey—fruit that feels authentically Japanese, a quintessential Japanese blend. I wanted to craft something I could truly be proud of.
Kumquats. Those winter fruits characterized by their lively bitterness and light acidity. I had memories of eating honey-soaked kumquats at my grandmother's house. Following this memory, I soaked a generous amount of fresh kumquats from Wakayama Prefecture in our dry mead, "Giou."

 

About the Preparation

Why these ingredients?

  • Wakayama Prefecture is famous for its kumquat cultivation, in addition to plums and mandarin oranges. We decided to use kumquats from this region, which are cherished as the town's tree.

  • We use small, highly aromatic kumquats from Matsukawa Farm in Minabe, Kishu. They are characterized by a refreshing aroma and robust acidity, perfectly suited to our desire to capture a bittersweet flavor profile.

Preparation Method

  • Crushed kumquats are added to mead that has been carefully aged at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. After maceration, the kumquats are removed, and the mead is aged in wooden barrels. This year, we used whiskey barrels.

  • After being drawn from the barrels, it is carbonated and bottled.

Tasting & Pairing

Tasting Note

  • A clear golden hue. Notes of honey-soaked kumquats, dried figs, and an elegant Earl Grey-like quality leave a lasting impression.

  • Sharp bitterness and smooth acidity, with a fresh aroma reminiscent of peeled kumquat zest.

  • The body, bolstered by the alcohol content, provides a structure robust enough to stand up to food.

Recommended Pairings

  • Oil-based pasta with thin noodles

  • Hummus or marinated octopus seasoned with pink pepper, coriander seeds, and dill

  • Sweet-style sukiyaki

Product Information

  • Product Name: Kinkan-Giou

  • Volume: 500ml

  • Alcohol Content: 12%

  • Ingredients: Honey (Myanmar), Kumquat (Wakayama)

  • Characteristics: A gorgeous, rich, and spicy flavor created by kumquats aged in whiskey barrels and mead. Serve well-chilled.

  • Retail Price: 2,420 JPY (tax included)

  • Release Date: Once a year, released in early summer

Recommended For

  • Those who enjoy the aroma of fruit and spices, and sophisticated astringency

  • Those looking to enjoy an "extraordinary" experience similar to wine or champagne

  • Those seeking a drink that pairs well with food while clearly showcasing fruit notes

  • Those looking to discover new pairing possibilities

A Conversation Starter

"If you usually enjoy white wine, I think you might find this dry mead made from honey and kumquats quite interesting, even though it's not made from grapes."

Episode

Memories of eating kumquats at my grandmother's house as a child.
"Kinkan-Giou" is a challenge to pack that nostalgia and sense of surprise into a mead.
The natural bitterness of the honey overlaps with the astringency of the kumquats, and slow aging has created a complex, multi-layered flavor. It is a bottle I hope you enjoy as the flavors evolve over time.

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