Questions
Asked before they buy.
The questions we are asked most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, write to us.
The vodka
What is Wagyu vodka?
A vodka that has been fat-washed with Wagyu tallow. KOYU begins as a triple-distilled British wheat spirit. Warm Wagyu tallow is introduced, the spirit is chilled to −27°C and held there for seven days, the fat is then separated out and the vodka is filtered three times. What stays is the texture and a subtle savoury note, not the fat.
How it is madeDoes it taste of beef?
No. It tastes like a very smooth vodka with a delicate buttery richness, a subtle savoury depth beneath it and a clean, lingering finish. The tallow is removed before bottling; it leaves behind mouthfeel and a quiet umami character, not a flavour of meat.
Is there any fat in the bottle?
No. After the seven-day rest at −27°C the solidified tallow is separated from the spirit, and the vodka is then filtered through silver, activated charcoal and a 21-micron polishing filter. It is clear and bright, and stays so.
What is it made from?
Three things: triple-distilled British wheat neutral grain spirit, purified water, premium Wagyu tallow.
Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No. It is made with Wagyu tallow, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
How strong is it?
40% ABV, in a 70cl bottle, which is 28 UK units. A 25 ml measure is one unit.
Why is it rested at −27°C for seven days?
Chilling the spirit to a semi-frozen state slows everything down: the tallow gives up its character gradually, which builds depth and texture without clouding the vodka. Seven days is the time that takes. Then the spirit is brought back to room temperature and the fat, now solid, is taken out.
What does the batch number mean?
KOYU is made in numbered batches and each bottle carries its batch number on the reverse. The first is 745100.
Serving and keeping
How should I drink it?
Lightly chilled, at about 7°C, in a small glass with nothing added: that is where the texture and the savoury note show best. It also takes a single large cube of ice well, and it makes a very dry martini.
The three servesShould it live in the freezer?
You can keep it there, but it shows more at about 7°C. Much colder and the flavour closes down; much warmer and the alcohol leads. Half an hour in the fridge, or a few minutes in an ice bucket, is right.
How should I store it?
Upright, out of direct sunlight, at room temperature or cooler. Spirits do not spoil. Once opened, keep the stopper in and it will keep for years.
What food goes with it?
Anything marbled, briny or cured: Wagyu itself, oysters, caviar, sashimi, a hard aged cheese. The pairing guide gives nine dishes with the reason each works and the way to pour.
The pairing guideBuying, delivery and gifts
Where can I buy KOYU Vodka?
Here, from the bottle's page: the single bottle, The Pair and The Case. Bars, restaurants, hotels and shops can ask the house for a quote.
The vodkaDo you deliver outside the UK?
Not yet. We deliver to addresses in the United Kingdom; delivery options and charges are shown at checkout before you pay, and UK delivery is free on orders over £100.
Will someone need to be in to receive it?
Yes. KOYU is alcohol, so the courier may ask for proof of age and will not leave it with anyone under 18 or in an unattended place. You will receive tracking by email once it has been dispatched.
Can I send it as a gift?
Yes. On the bottle's page you can add gift wrap and engraving, up to 24 characters, and in your bag you can write a gift note that travels with the bottle. There are pages for Christmas, Father's Day and Lunar New Year.
GiftingCan I return it?
Unopened bottles in their original condition can be returned within 14 days of delivery for a refund; write to us first so we can arrange it. Opened bottles cannot be returned unless faulty, and engraved bottles cannot be returned unless faulty. If a bottle arrives damaged, email us within 48 hours with a photograph and your order number.
Delivery and returnsCan I order for a bar, restaurant or company?
Yes. Tell us roughly how many bottles you have in mind, when you need them and where they are going, and we will come back with a quote. Companies can add wrap, engraving and a note with each bottle, and delivery to several addresses.
Ask for a quoteAnything else
Write to us at care@koyulondon.com. A person answers.