ROKU - Gin - Japanese Gin - 43%
The Suntory house holds a central place in the modern history of Japanese spirits. Founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, the company first became known for its whiskies before extending its expertise to other categories of spirits. Roku Gin is produced in the Osaka distillery by the teams of the House of Suntory, who apply a careful artisanal approach to the selection of ingredients and distillation methods. This Japanese gin follows the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of respecting the seasons, called shun, which consists of using ingredients at the precise moment when their aromatic expression is optimal. The name Roku means "six" in Japanese and directly refers to the six emblematic botanicals of Japan incorporated in its recipe. Even the hexagonal bottle recalls this number and symbolizes the balance between these ingredients. With this gin, Suntory offers a Japanese interpretation of contemporary gin, blending Western tradition and local botanical identity.
Roku Japanese Gin is a distilled gin with an alcohol content of 43%. Its composition combines classic gin botanicals, notably juniper, citrus, and certain spices, with six typically Japanese ingredients harvested according to the seasonal cycle. It includes sakura flower and sakura leaf for spring, sencha and gyokuro green teas for summer, sansho pepper for autumn, and yuzu zest for winter. Each botanical family is distilled separately to best extract its aromatic compounds before the final blending of the gin. This method preserves the identity of each ingredient while building an overall balance. The distillates are then blended to obtain a harmonious profile where juniper structures the whole without masking the floral and vegetal nuances. The result is a Japanese gin that combines the traditional expression of the category with ingredients characteristic of Japanese gastronomy.
On tasting, Roku Gin presents a delicate nose dominated by floral notes of cherry blossom accompanied by citrus evoking yuzu. Vegetal nuances reminiscent of green tea bring a fresh and slightly herbaceous dimension. On the palate, the texture appears smooth and silky, supported by the structure of juniper and a persistent citrus freshness. Sansho pepper introduces a subtle spicy touch that enlivens the overall balance. The whole maintains a beautiful aromatic precision with a fresh and slightly peppery finish. Roku Gin can be enjoyed neat to appreciate the complexity of its botanicals, but it is particularly well suited to a gin and tonic where its citrus and green tea notes are clearly expressed. It is also used in classic cocktails where an aromatic and balanced gin is sought.
