Gin Roku Cl 100

Roku Gin is a Japanese spirit created by Suntory, one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in the country, and represents a harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and classic gin style. Its name means "six" in Japanese, a direct reference to the six native botanicals that form the aromatic heart of the recipe: sakura flowers and leaves, yuzu peel, Sencha and Gyokuro green teas, and Sanshō pepper. These ingredients, an integral part of Japanese culture, are harvested at the time of year when they best express their characteristics, a philosophy that underscores the almost ritualistic attention Japan pays to seasonality.

Roku's distillation follows a meticulous process. Each botanical is treated separately, using different techniques and stills depending on the ingredient's fragility or complexity. Sakura blossoms, for example, require a more delicate approach, while citrus fruits like yuzu lend themselves to more robust distillations. This method allows for very precise extractions, which ultimately blend into a balanced blend. The result is not a harsh or overly spicy gin, but a spirit that focuses on finesse and aromatic purity, faithful to the Japanese aesthetic.
On the nose, Roku presents an elegant and slightly ethereal profile: cherry blossoms offer a sweetly floral note, accompanied by a soft, vegetal undertone from the green teas. Yuzu adds a bright, citrusy, almost luminous note, which immediately conveys a sense of freshness. On the palate, the entry is soft and silky, with a natural balance between sweetness, freshness, and the more traditional presence of juniper. The vegetal nuances of the teas are subtly perceived, while the Japanese citrus brings a precise yet never overpowering aromatic character. The finish is dominated by the spice of Sanshō pepper, which lends a subtle spiciness and balsamic freshness across the palate, without being overpowering.
The instantly recognizable bottle perfectly reflects the spirit of the gin it contains: the hexagonal shape is not just an aesthetic choice, but a visual reference to the number six; the surfaces feature embossed Japanese botanicals, while the rice paper label, decorated with calligraphic characters, completes the impression of a product meant not simply to be drunk, but also contemplated.
Roku is a versatile gin, suitable for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or mixed. In simple cocktails, like a Gin & Tonic with neutral tonic water, its more delicate botanicals are clearly discernible. The floral and citrus notes emerge well even in light, clean drinks, while in more complex mixes they sometimes risk being overshadowed: this is a gin that thrives when it can maintain its subtle yet precise identity.