Japanese Premium Gin Roku 1 Litre, botanical balance and Japanese precision
Japanese Premium Gin Roku 1 Litre represents a different way of understanding gin. It is crafted in Japan by Suntory, a distillery with over a century of expertise. Its name, Roku, means “six” in Japanese, a direct reference to the six native botanicals that define its identity.
In a market largely dominated by the London Dry style, Roku offers a more delicate and structured interpretation. It retains the classic base of juniper, yet balances it with Japanese ingredients harvested at their seasonal peak. The result is a precise, clean gin with subtle complexity that sets it apart within the Japanese gin category.
Origin and distillation philosophy in Japan
Roku is produced at the Suntory distillery, a company founded in 1899 that has played a key role in modernising spirits production in Japan. While internationally renowned for its whiskies, the same technical rigour and meticulous attention to detail are evident in this gin.
Japanese culture is deeply connected to seasonality. The cherry blossom in spring, the summer tea harvest or the aroma of yuzu in winter all form part of the natural calendar. Roku is born from this sensitivity. Each Japanese botanical is harvested at its optimal moment and distilled separately to preserve its character.
The distillery employs different types of stills to treat each group of botanicals individually. This approach allows precise control of temperature, timing and distillation cuts according to the nature of each ingredient. Rather than combining everything in a single process, each raw material is respected to achieve a harmonious final blend.
The six Japanese botanicals and their real contribution
Roku incorporates six local botanicals that shape its profile. They are not included as a mere exotic statement; each plays a specific role in the aromatic structure.
- Sakura flower, bringing a light and elegant floral note.
- Sakura leaf, enhancing green and gently sweet nuances.
- Sencha tea, adding herbal freshness and a clean vegetal background.
- Gyokuro tea, introducing depth and subtle umami tones.
- Yuzu peel, delivering bright and precise citrus character.
- Sansho pepper, contributing a vibrant, refined spice.
Yuzu peel provides more than simple citrus aroma. Its profile is more layered than that of traditional lemon, with hints reminiscent of mandarin and grapefruit that lift the overall composition. Shade-grown gyokuro tea concentrates chlorophyll, creating a smooth, slightly sweet mouthfeel. Sansho pepper adds a very fine, tingling spice on the finish, stimulating the aftertaste without overwhelming it.
These six botanicals are combined with classic ingredients such as juniper, coriander and angelica. The final blend is built around balance. It is not an aggressive or heavily resinous gin. Its profile is designed to reveal progressive aromatic layers and a silky texture.
Technical process and precision in distillation
Roku is distilled in small batches using several copper pot stills adapted to different groups of botanicals. Each partial distillate is monitored independently, allowing extremely precise cuts between head, heart and tail to ensure purity and aromatic clarity.
The final blending stage is an exercise in balance. The master distillers combine the individual distillates until the exact proportion is achieved. The aim is not for one botanical to dominate, but for all to coexist in harmony.
At Licorea, we consider Japanese Premium Gin Roku 1 Litre to be one of the most solid references within our Japanese gin selection. It stands out particularly for its individual botanical distillation, a technical detail especially appreciated by more discerning gin enthusiasts.
Aromatic profile and palate sensations
On the nose, Roku opens with clear floral notes of cherry blossom and a defined citrus backbone shaped by yuzu. The juniper is present yet well integrated. As it develops, herbal tea nuances emerge alongside a gentle spicy hint.
On the palate, it is smooth, rounded and clean. The entry is fresh, followed by a vegetal and subtly sweet evolution. The finish is dry, with a delicate peppery touch from the sansho. The aftertaste is persistent yet refined, without harsh alcoholic heat.
Culture, design and international recognition
Roku’s bottle reflects Japanese attention to detail. Its hexagonal design symbolises the six native botanicals. The label features hand-brushed characters representing the gin’s name, bridging tradition and modernity.
Roku has earned recognition in international spirits competitions, reinforcing its position within the premium segment. Beyond awards, it has achieved something more distinctive: introducing the concept of Japanese seasonality into the world of gin.
How to enjoy it and classic serves
Roku is versatile and works particularly well in simple serves where it can express its character. The recommended serve is a large balloon glass, plenty of solid ice cubes and a quality neutral tonic. A thin slice of ginger or a twist of yuzu enhances its citrus profile.
It also performs beautifully in classic cocktails where balance is essential:
- Japanese Gin & Tonic
- 50 ml Roku
- 150 ml neutral tonic
- Large ice cubes
- Slice of ginger or lemon twist
- Fill the glass with ice, add the gin, gently top with tonic and finish with the garnish.
- Negroni
- 30 ml Roku
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 30 ml Italian bitter
- Stir with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, finishing with an orange peel.
The 1 litre format is ideal for those who regularly prepare mixed drinks or for gatherings where a distinctive gin with clear identity and technical precision is sought.
