Taste of Japan

Roku Gin is one of the first Japanese gins to hit our shores, offering a native edge in the liquor industry’s current darling with a rare flavour base inspired by its home

MEANING ‘SIX’ IN JAPANESE,

Roku incorporates six traditional, seasonal botanicals that help shape the multi-layered flavour profile – Sakura flower, Sakura leaf, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea, Gyokuro tea and Sansho pepper – which are infused, distilled and blended to maximise flavour and form its Japanese identity. The gin is first flavoured with traditional aromatics such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root and seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, and peels from lemon and bitter orange. Enhancing its rich character, the six Japanese botanicals are harvested in accordance with ‘shun’, the tradition of enjoying each ingredient at its best by only harvesting at its peak of flavour and perfection. In a process unique to Roku, the six Japanese botanicals undergo a multiple distillation process, using a selection of different pot stills, each chosen to ensure the best flavour is extracted from each botanical. The result is a complex, yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture. Cherry blossom and green tea provide a sweet and floral aroma, with the crisp Japanese Sansho pepper bringing a little spiciness to the finish. Meticulous attention to detail also extends to Roku’s bottle, cast in a hexagonal shape, representing each Japanese botanical, and finished with delicate embossing. The Japanese kanji symbol for six is printed on the label, which is made of traditional washi paper with subtle touches of gold. Roku can be enjoyed on the rocks or in a Japanese Gin & Tonic. Prepared with extra care, the Japanese Gin & Tonic is served with ice and slices of ginger to complement the refreshing and citrus top notes of yuzu. More than a simple G&T, the Japanese gin and tonic reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi, where people are encouraged to pour each other’s Roku Gin as part of the refreshing Japanese ritual to share the spirit, and enjoy it with friends.