The story of Roku Gin goes back to 1936 when Shinjiro Torii, the founder of The Torii Shoten Store, the predecessor of Suntory, launched Hermes Gin – the first Suntory Gin. Since then there have been a number of changes and updates–including the name–but Roku still stands on the same principles as the original spirit: “create original Japanese Spirits the whole world can enjoy, uniquely made from Japan’s nature and her people.”
Every bottle of Roku Gin uses six special botanicals that are sourced from Japan: Sakura flower, Sakura leaf, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea (green tea), Gyokuro tea (refined green tea) and Sanshō pepper. In Japanese, Roku translates to the number six. The six Japanese botanicals are cultivated over four seasons in order that they are each harvested at their peak, and it’s part of the reason Roku is known for having a well-balanced flavor. Suntory even developed its own multiple distillation process for Roku due to its unique botanicals.
On the nose, aromas of cherry blossom and green tea mix to create floral and sweet scent. The silky palate is well-balanced and complex with notes of yuzu. The finish is crisp with Japanese sansho pepper delivering an added spicy kick.
When it comes to cocktails, Roku Gin recommends going with something on the traditional side with a slight Japanese twist, such as a Gin & Tonic:
Ingredients:
- Bottle of Roku Gin
- Bottle of Tonic
- Ginger
Slice ginger into long equal slices. Fill highball glass to rim with ice and serve with 6 ginger slices. Pour tonic over ice and add stirrer. Pour Roku into a gin cup at room temperature, and allow customer to pour into the glass. Stir to balance the elements.
Roku Gin is made by House of Suntroy, a subsidiary of Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd that is one of the world’s largest producers of distilled spirits.