The Spirit of Japan

House of Suntory’s Roku Gin is a taste of Japan in a glass — best enjoyed in the brand’s serene new Gin Garden

While there’s no shortage of gins on the market, few tell a story of their provenance quite like Roku Gin. The House of Suntory premium craft spirit features a masterful blend of six Japanese botanicals. From Sakura leaf and its flower (cherry blossoms) to gyokuro (a green tea), sencha tea, Sansho pepper and yuzu (a highly aromatic citrus fruit), each botanical is unique to the island nation.

The result, says Rory Donnelly, House of Suntory Spirits Specialist for New Zealand, is a true taste of Japan. You won’t go wrong ordering a classic gin and tonic to get a sense of Roku’s complex yet clean flavour that pairs brilliantly with light Japanese dishes, something innovative chefs in New York have been experimenting with since the gin took off in popularity there.

“Roku has a delicate floral profile, a subtle spice and a complex citrus, all meticulously balanced,” says Rory.

Roku Gin comes steeped in history. Suntory has been making spirits since 1899 and launched its first gin in 1936, becoming known for combining tradition with an innovative approach to production, and using only the highest quality ingredients. At its Osaka distillery, the makers of Roku have developed their own process to extract optimal flavour based on the gin’s botanicals. These are distilled in separate pot stills in the ‘ Liquor Atelier’ to maintain their individual characteristics.

For instance, the delicate scent of cherry blossom is drawn out through vacuum distillation in stainless pot stills, whereas the deep flavour of yuzu is achieved by distillation in copper pot stills.

History and custom have not been forgotten at the other end of the process, either. Deeply embedded in the Suntory philosophy is the traditional Japanese concept of Omotenashi, which refers to serving rituals in Japan.

“These rituals attached to Roku showcase Japanese craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in both respect for the liquid as well as the importance placed in the moment it is served to guests,” Rory explains. “It takes a lot of care to perfectly execute the Japanese gin and tonic.”

Those wanting to try Japanese gin and tonic can head to Azabu at Mission Bay to experience the Roku Gin Garden.