Roku Japanese Craft Gin 43% Vol. 0.7 L

Discover the refined Japanese character of Roku Japanese Craft Gin 43% Vol. 0.7L, a premium gin created by the House of Suntory to celebrate the distinctive flavours of Japan's four seasons. Crafted with six exceptional Japanese botanicals alongside eight traditional gin ingredients, Roku combines delicate cherry blossom, fragrant yuzu citrus, aromatic green tea and gentle sanshō pepper with the classic character of juniper.

Its name means “six” in Japanese, representing the carefully selected botanicals that give this elegant gin its distinctive identity. Produced at Suntory's Osaka Distillery, Roku uses specialised distillation techniques designed to preserve the individual characteristics of its delicate flowers, tea leaves, citrus peel and spices. The resulting spirit offers a beautifully balanced combination of fresh citrus, gentle floral sweetness, subtle herbal depth and a smooth, silky texture. For Drinkero, Roku is an excellent choice for Japanese Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Gin Fizz, Gimlet, Tom Collins, French 75 and other cocktails where elegant botanical complexity and refreshing citrus can shine.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Crystal clear and brilliant, presented in Roku's distinctive six-sided glass bottle with an elegant Japanese washi-paper label.

Aroma: Delicate and aromatic, combining cherry blossom, fresh yuzu citrus, soft green tea, juniper and gentle floral sweetness.

Palate: Smooth, silky and beautifully balanced, featuring refreshing yuzu, fragrant sakura, subtle green tea, dry juniper and delicate herbal complexity.

Finish: Clean, elegant and gently spicy, with lingering citrus freshness, floral notes and the characteristic tingling warmth of sanshō pepper.

The Heritage of Roku Japanese Gin

Roku Japanese Craft Gin is produced by the House of Suntory, one of Japan's most established and internationally recognised spirits producers.

The company's history is closely associated with founder Shinjiro Torii, whose vision helped develop Japan's modern spirits industry.

Suntory established a spirits-making facility in Osaka in 1919, creating a foundation for experimentation with different alcoholic beverages, liqueurs and distillation techniques.

The company began producing gin in 1936, developing knowledge of botanical distillation long before the contemporary international popularity of Japanese craft gin.

Roku represents a modern expression of this expertise, bringing together established gin-making principles and ingredients closely connected with Japanese culture.

Its identity reflects the Japanese appreciation of seasonality, craftsmanship and balance.

Rather than relying entirely on traditional European gin botanicals, Roku introduces six distinctly Japanese ingredients that contribute floral, citrus, tea and spice characteristics.

The resulting spirit is recognisably gin, with juniper providing its traditional foundation, but its character is enhanced by carefully selected Japanese flavours.

For cocktail enthusiasts, Roku provides an opportunity to discover how regional botanicals can create a different interpretation of a familiar spirit.

The Meaning Behind Roku: Six Japanese Botanicals

The name Roku means “six” in Japanese and refers to the six distinctive botanicals that define the gin's flavour.

These ingredients are selected from different seasons and represent the Japanese tradition of appreciating natural products when they are at their best.

Sakura flower: Cherry blossom contributes delicate floral aromas and a gentle sweetness associated with the arrival of spring.

Sakura leaf: Cherry blossom leaves introduce complementary botanical characteristics, including subtle green, herbal and slightly savoury impressions.

Yuzu peel: Japanese yuzu provides a distinctive citrus aroma combining qualities reminiscent of lemon, grapefruit and mandarin.

Sencha tea: This Japanese green tea contributes fresh, gently grassy and herbal notes.

Gyokuro tea: A refined Japanese green tea valued for its depth, subtle sweetness and characteristic umami complexity.

Sanshō pepper: Japanese pepper introduces refreshing aromatic spice and a delicate tingling sensation in the finish.

Together, these ingredients create a layered flavour that is floral, refreshing, subtly herbal and gently spicy.

The traditional gin botanicals provide additional structure, ensuring the finished spirit retains a recognisable juniper character.

Japan's Four Seasons in One Gin

One of the central ideas behind Roku is the Japanese appreciation of seasonal ingredients.

The producer follows the concept of shun, which refers to enjoying ingredients at the point in the season when their quality and flavour are considered at their best.

Roku's six Japanese botanicals are associated with the four seasons.

Spring – Sakura flower and leaf: Cherry blossoms are among Japan's most recognisable symbols of spring. Their delicate floral character contributes elegance and softness to the gin.

Summer – Sencha and Gyokuro: Japanese green teas introduce fresh herbal character and depth, reflecting the seasonal importance of carefully cultivated tea.

Autumn – Sanshō pepper: This aromatic spice brings gentle warmth and a distinctive refreshing peppery finish.

Winter – Yuzu peel: Yuzu contributes bright citrus freshness and an aromatic connection with Japan's winter citrus traditions.

The ingredients are harvested at suitable times and carefully processed to preserve their characteristic aromas.

They are subsequently distilled and blended into a gin designed to present the different botanical elements harmoniously.

The result is a spirit that expresses several contrasting flavours without allowing one ingredient to overwhelm the others.

Sakura Flower and Sakura Leaf

Sakura, or Japanese cherry blossom, is one of the most important cultural symbols associated with spring in Japan.

Its brief flowering season is celebrated through hanami, the tradition of appreciating cherry blossoms in parks and gardens.

Roku incorporates both sakura flowers and sakura leaves, giving the gin two complementary botanical elements.

The flowers contribute delicate floral aromas, while the leaves provide subtle green and gently savoury characteristics.

These qualities create a soft aromatic layer around the gin's traditional juniper foundation.

Unlike strongly perfumed floral spirits, Roku balances the cherry blossom character carefully with citrus, tea and spice.

Its floral profile becomes particularly noticeable in cocktails containing relatively neutral mixers.

A classic Gin & Tonic can highlight the delicate blossom aroma, while a Dry Martini allows the character of the gin to remain prominent.

The sakura botanicals provide an elegant connection between Japanese tradition and modern cocktail preparation.

Yuzu: A Distinctive Japanese Citrus

Yuzu is a fragrant East Asian citrus fruit particularly valued in Japanese cooking, desserts and beverages.

Its aroma is more complex than that of ordinary lemon, with impressions reminiscent of grapefruit, mandarin and other citrus fruits.

Roku uses yuzu peel to introduce a bright, expressive citrus character.

This creates freshness without turning the gin into a sweet citrus liqueur.

The yuzu notes complement traditional gin botanicals such as juniper and coriander.

They also provide a natural connection with fresh lemon and lime used in many classic cocktails.

In a Gimlet, the yuzu aroma adds complexity to the lime character.

In a French 75, it complements the lemon juice and sparkling wine.

In a Gin & Tonic, yuzu contributes refreshing citrus aromas that can be highlighted with a restrained garnish.

For customers who enjoy citrus-forward gins, Roku offers a distinctly Japanese alternative to expressions built primarily around grapefruit, lemon or orange.

Sencha and Gyokuro Green Tea

Two of Roku's most distinctive botanicals are sencha and gyokuro, traditional Japanese green teas.

These teas introduce a flavour dimension that is uncommon in conventional European gin.

Sencha is widely enjoyed in Japan and is associated with a fresh, grassy and gently herbal character.

Gyokuro is a premium shade-grown green tea valued for its concentrated aroma, subtle sweetness and savoury umami qualities.

In Roku, both teas contribute complexity without making the spirit taste like a strongly brewed cup of green tea.

Their role is to support the other botanicals through restrained herbal depth and gentle aromatic sweetness.

Sencha adds freshness, while gyokuro contributes a fuller and more rounded impression.

The resulting tea character complements the floral softness of sakura and the citrus brightness of yuzu.

These qualities become especially interesting in minimalist cocktails such as Gin & Tonic and Dry Martini.

For home bartenders, Roku demonstrates how ingredients traditionally associated with tea culture can contribute to sophisticated distilled spirits.

Sanshō Pepper and the Distinctive Finish

Sanshō is a Japanese aromatic spice known for its citrus-like fragrance and distinctive tingling sensation.

Although frequently described as Japanese pepper, it differs from ordinary black pepper in both flavour and botanical origin.

Its aroma can include refreshing citrus, green herbal notes and a lively spicy character.

Roku uses sanshō to create a subtly expressive finish that complements the gin's gentler floral and tea characteristics.

The peppery element does not dominate the spirit.

Instead, it adds a final layer of complexity after the citrus, juniper and green tea notes.

This makes the finish refreshing and aromatic rather than simply hot or intensely spicy.

Sanshō works particularly well with yuzu because both ingredients offer distinctive citrus-like qualities.

In a Gin & Tonic, the pepper can become more noticeable as the drink is diluted.

In a Dry Martini, it provides a subtle contrast to the herbal character of vermouth.

Eight Traditional Gin Botanicals

Alongside its six Japanese ingredients, Roku contains eight traditional gin botanicals that establish its classic distilled-gin foundation.

These ingredients help balance the more unusual floral, tea and citrus components.

Juniper remains essential, providing the piney and resinous character that distinguishes gin from other spirits.

Coriander adds aromatic spice with naturally citrus-like characteristics.

Other traditional gin botanicals provide supporting notes of herbs, roots, citrus and warm spice.

The traditional ingredients are not intended to overpower the Japanese botanicals.

Instead, they create structure that allows the delicate cherry blossom and green tea character to remain noticeable.

The combination produces a recognisable dry gin rather than a fruit-flavoured spirit or sweet liqueur.

Its balanced profile makes Roku suitable for traditional cocktails even when those recipes were originally developed using European London Dry Gin.

Crafted at Suntory's Osaka Distillery

Roku is produced at Suntory's Osaka Distillery, where the company has developed expertise in crafting spirits and liqueurs for more than a century.

The distillery's approach emphasises careful ingredient selection, technical control and the development of balanced flavours.

Different botanical ingredients release their aromas in different ways, so a single distillation method is not always ideal for every plant.

Suntory therefore uses several distillation approaches to obtain the desired characteristics of Roku's various botanicals.

The producer describes four distillation methods selected according to the properties of the ingredients.

These methods allow delicate flowers, aromatic citrus peels, green tea and spices to contribute their individual characteristics.

The resulting botanical distillates are carefully brought together to create the finished gin.

This approach reflects Suntory's emphasis on craftsmanship and detailed attention to flavour.

Rather than simply concentrating on botanical intensity, the objective is to create harmony between several distinct aromatic elements.

The Importance of Japanese Craftsmanship

Roku is closely connected to the Japanese philosophy of monozukuri, a concept associated with careful craftsmanship, technical expertise and continuous attention to quality.

For Suntory, this approach begins with understanding the nature and flavour of each ingredient.

The producer selects Japanese botanicals at appropriate times of year and processes them according to their individual characteristics.

Different distillation methods help preserve aromas that could be lost or altered through less carefully controlled production.

The resulting components are blended to create a consistent and balanced flavour.

This attention to detail is particularly important because Roku combines ingredients with very different aromatic profiles.

Cherry blossom provides floral delicacy, yuzu contributes bright citrus, green tea adds depth and sanshō introduces spice.

Juniper and the other traditional botanicals provide the familiar foundation of gin.

Roku's character comes from combining these elements into one harmonious spirit rather than emphasising any single ingredient excessively.

The Six-Sided Bottle and Japanese Washi Paper

Roku's distinctive packaging reflects the same Japanese inspiration found in its ingredients.

The bottle has six sides, representing the six Japanese botanicals that define the gin.

Its glass surface features embossed botanical illustrations, providing a visual connection with the plants used in production.

The label is produced using traditional Japanese washi paper, a material associated with Japanese decorative and artistic craftsmanship.

The design combines a modern premium spirits presentation with references to established Japanese traditions.

The clear glass also allows the crystal-clear gin to remain visible.

Unlike brightly coloured flavoured gins, Roku relies on its botanical composition and elegant bottle design rather than coloured liquid for visual distinction.

For Drinkero, its recognisable hexagonal bottle provides an attractive premium addition to the Gin collection.

Roku Compared with Other Premium Gins

Roku offers a different botanical experience from the European gins already featured in Drinkero's collection.

Tanqueray London Dry: Emphasises a traditional combination of juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice.

Beefeater London Dry: Combines classic juniper with bright lemon and orange character.

Bombay Sapphire: Uses ten botanicals and vapour infusion to create a balanced citrus-and-spice profile.

Hendrick's: Introduces cucumber and rose, creating a fresh and floral gin style.

The Botanist: Combines 31 botanicals, including wild plants from Scotland's Isle of Islay.

Tanqueray No. Ten: Features fresh grapefruit, lime, orange and chamomile.

Gin Mare: Emphasises Mediterranean herbs and savoury Arbequina olives.

Roku: Combines sakura, yuzu, Japanese green tea and sanshō pepper to create a distinctive Japanese botanical profile.

These differences make Roku particularly suitable for customers interested in discovering new regional gin styles without abandoning classic cocktail recipes.

Why Roku Is Perfect for Gin & Tonic

Gin & Tonic is one of the best ways to appreciate Roku's distinctive Japanese botanical character.

Its floral, citrus and tea notes complement the refreshing bitterness of quality tonic water.

Juniper provides the traditional gin foundation, while yuzu introduces lively citrus.

Cherry blossom contributes delicate floral aromas, and sanshō pepper creates a subtly spicy finish.

The producer recommends fresh ginger as a garnish for Roku Gin & Tonic.

Ginger adds gentle aromatic spice that complements the sanshō and citrus character without overwhelming the more delicate botanicals.

For one serving, combine 50 ml Roku with approximately 150 ml chilled premium tonic water.

Serve over generous ice in a highball or balloon glass.

Garnish with several thin slices of fresh ginger.

The result is a refreshing and elegant Gin & Tonic that highlights Roku's Japanese identity.

Why Roku Works in Dry Martini

The Dry Martini provides an excellent opportunity to explore the more delicate characteristics of Roku Japanese Craft Gin.

Because the recipe contains relatively few ingredients, the base gin contributes most of the flavour and aroma.

Roku's yuzu and sakura notes create a distinctive balance between citrus freshness and floral complexity.

Green tea introduces subtle depth, while sanshō provides a gently spicy finish.

Dry vermouth adds complementary herbal and wine-based aromas.

For a classic preparation, combine 60 ml Roku with approximately 15 ml dry vermouth.

Stir with ice until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a cold Martini glass.

Finish with a lemon twist or a thin citrus peel garnish.

The resulting Martini is elegant, aromatic and slightly different from a conventional juniper-forward London Dry version.

Roku in Gin Fizz and Citrus Cocktails

Roku is also particularly effective in cocktails featuring fresh lemon or lime juice.

Its yuzu character naturally complements the bright citrus acidity used in many classic gin drinks.

In a Gin Fizz, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water create a refreshing sparkling drink that highlights the gin's floral and citrus notes.

In a Gimlet, fresh lime provides a sharper contrast to the delicate green tea and cherry blossom character.

In a Tom Collins, soda water creates a lighter drink that allows the yuzu and juniper to remain noticeable.

In a French 75, dry sparkling wine introduces freshness and elegance alongside Roku's floral aromas.

Honey syrup can also complement the subtle sweetness associated with sakura and green tea in a Bee's Knees variation.

Although Roku is suitable for several classic cocktails, it is especially rewarding in drinks that avoid excessive sweetness or strongly flavoured mixers.

These preparations allow its carefully balanced Japanese botanicals to remain prominent.

What Makes Roku Japanese Craft Gin Special?

Roku stands out through its carefully balanced combination of six Japanese botanicals and eight traditional gin ingredients.

Its name, bottle design and production philosophy all reflect the importance of the number six.

The selection of cherry blossom, yuzu, green tea and sanshō pepper gives the gin a distinctive connection with Japanese culture and seasonality.

Suntory's use of specialised distillation methods helps preserve the delicate characteristics of the ingredients.

The resulting spirit combines floral freshness, citrus, gentle herbal depth and subtle spice.

At 43% alcohol by volume, Roku provides a versatile strength for classic and contemporary gin cocktails.

Its elegant six-sided bottle and washi-paper label reinforce its premium Japanese identity.

For Drinkero, Roku introduces an important new flavour direction, making the Gin collection more diverse and attractive to customers exploring international botanical styles.

Perfect for Cocktails

Roku Japanese Craft Gin is particularly suitable for refreshing and elegant cocktails that allow its distinctive combination of sakura, yuzu, green tea and sanshō pepper to remain noticeable.

Japanese Gin & Tonic: Combine Roku with chilled tonic water and garnish with fresh ginger. Its citrus and floral character complements the tonic's refreshing bitterness.

Dry Martini: Stir Roku with dry vermouth and garnish with lemon peel. Its delicate sakura and yuzu notes create an elegant spirit-forward cocktail.

Gin Fizz: Combine Roku with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with soda water. The gin's refreshing citrus and floral profile enhances this classic sparkling drink.

Gimlet: Shake Roku with fresh lime juice and sugar syrup. Its yuzu character complements the lime while green tea adds subtle complexity.

Tom Collins: Combine Roku with fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water. Its balanced botanicals create a refreshing Japanese interpretation of this classic highball.

French 75: Mix Roku with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with chilled dry sparkling wine. The gin's delicate floral notes add elegance to the cocktail.

Bee's Knees: Shake Roku with lemon juice and honey syrup. The soft floral sweetness of honey complements the gin's sakura aromas.

Negroni: Stir Roku with Campari and sweet red vermouth. Its citrus and gentle spice create a different botanical balance from a traditional London Dry version.

Gin Rickey: Combine Roku with fresh lime juice and soda water. This simple drink highlights its crisp yuzu and herbal characteristics.

Serving Suggestions

Roku is particularly enjoyable in chilled Gin & Tonics, aromatic Martinis and citrus-based cocktails that preserve its delicate Japanese botanicals.

For a Japanese Gin & Tonic, combine 50 ml Roku with 150 ml chilled premium tonic water. Serve over 150–200 g of ice cubes in a highball glass and garnish with three thin slices of fresh ginger.

For a Dry Martini, combine 60 ml Roku with 15 ml dry vermouth. Stir thoroughly with ice, strain into a chilled Martini glass and finish with a fresh lemon twist.

For a Gin Fizz, combine 50 ml Roku with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass and top with approximately 90 ml soda water.

For a Gimlet, combine 60 ml Roku with 22.5 ml fresh lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a Tom Collins, combine 50 ml Roku with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass containing fresh ice and top with 100 ml soda water.

For a French 75, combine 30 ml Roku with 15 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a suitable chilled glass and top with approximately 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

For a Bee's Knees, combine 50 ml Roku with 25 ml lemon juice and 20 ml honey syrup. Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.

For a Negroni, combine 30 ml Roku, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice and garnish with orange peel.

For a lighter Gin Rickey, combine 50 ml Roku with 20 ml fresh lime juice and approximately 120 ml soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with lime.

Because Roku contains delicate floral and tea botanicals, avoid using excessive syrup or strongly flavoured mixers that could mask the more subtle Japanese ingredients.

Product Details

• Brand: Roku
• Producer: House of Suntory
• Product: Roku Japanese Craft Gin
• Country of origin: Japan
• Production location: Suntory Osaka Distillery, Japan
• Spirit type: Gin
• Style: Premium Japanese Botanical Dry Gin
• Total botanicals: 14
• Japanese botanicals: 6
• Traditional gin botanicals: 8
• Signature ingredients: Sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sanshō pepper
• Production philosophy: Seasonal botanical selection inspired by the Japanese concept of shun
• Distillation: Specialist distillation techniques adapted to different botanicals
• Colour: Crystal clear
• Aroma: Cherry blossom, green tea, yuzu citrus and juniper
• Flavour profile: Yuzu, sakura, green tea, juniper, delicate herbs and Japanese pepper
• Texture: Smooth and silky
• Finish: Clean, refreshing and gently spicy
• Alcohol content: 43% Vol.
• Bottle size: 0.7L (700 ml)
• EAN: 4901777305359
• Bottle design: Six-sided glass bottle with botanical embossing and washi-paper label
• Recommended use: Japanese Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Gin Fizz, Gimlet, Tom Collins, French 75, Bee's Knees and Negroni
• Recommended garnish: Fresh ginger, lemon or yuzu peel

Storage: Store upright with the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Serve chilled or use fresh ice according to the cocktail recipe.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Gin Fizz, Gimlet, Tom Collins and French 75 recipes, discover how Japanese botanicals differ from classic London Dry Gin and use the Drinkero cocktail calculator to prepare accurately measured ingredients for your favourite cocktails at home.