Suntory Roku Gin Review: A Taste of Japanese Craftsmanship

When it comes to the world of gin, Suntory Roku Gin is a spirit that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Roku Gin's journey traces back to Suntory's roots, established in the vision of Shinjiro Torii, who founded Suntory in 1899 with the aspiration of crafting a range of exceptional liquors. This legacy of excellence paved the way for Roku Gin's creation.

The name itself, "Roku," meaning "six" in Japanese, captures the essence of this gin, crafted from six meticulously selected traditional Japanese botanicals. These six botanicals—sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, sansho pepper, and yuzu peel—are a tribute to the changing seasons of Japan. Infused, distilled, and blended with the utmost care, Roku Gin is more than a drink; it's an experience that encapsulates the spirit of Japan's past and present.

Developed by Suntory Spirits, a distillery with a rich history rooted in Osaka, Japan, Roku Gin is a testament to the company's dedication to preserving Japanese culture while pushing the boundaries of what gin can be.

Let's learn more about this extraordinary spirit in our Suntory Roku Gin review.

Suntory Roku Japanese Gin

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Key Features

• Classification

  This gin is a pure, modern dry style.

• Location

  Osaka, Japan

• Made From

  6 botanicals, along with classic gin ingredients

• Price

  $67.95 — $88.00 ($62.95 member price)

• ABV

  43%

Experience the Essence of Japan

Suntory Roku Japanese Gin

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The Process of Creation

At the heart of Roku Gin lies a meticulous approach to ingredient selection and preparation. Each botanical is harvested at the pinnacle of its season, ensuring that its flavors are at their finest. This commitment to timing is a testament to the monozukuri craftsmanship that defines Roku Gin's making.

Monozukuri encapsulates the art of perfecting systems and processes. In the context of Roku Gin, it translates to a dedication to refining every aspect of gin-making. This philosophy is mirrored in the way each ingredient is uniquely treated and prepared, showcasing the attention to detail that has become synonymous with Suntory's tradition.

The careful nurturing of ingredients, combined with the philosophy of monozukuri, ensures that each sip of Roku Gin reflects not only the changing seasons of Japan but also the relentless commitment to the art of crafting exceptional gin.

The Eye, Nose, and Palate

Embark on a sensory journey as we explore the eye-catching appearance, aromatic nose, and complex palate of Suntory Roku Gin.

• The Appearance

  As with most gins, it comes out as clear and pure, but its standout feature is the symbolism and representation that you will see in the bottle. The gin's clear appearance and unique flavor profile make it an excellent choice for crafting a variety of sophisticated gin cocktails.
  
  Its hexagonal-shaped bottle represents not just the name "Roku" but its six distinct Japanese botanicals also embossed all in the corners of the bottle.

• The Smell

  On the nose, Roku Gin offers a complex bouquet of aromatics. You may notice hints of yuzu, with its citrusy and slightly tart aroma, complemented by the floral notes of sakura flowers. Additionally, the sansho pepper adds a subtle earthiness.

• The Taste

  Roku Gin has a remarkable taste that stands out in the palate. After the initial taste of juniper, its Japanese flavors begin to come through. The yuzu's citrusy notes become more prominent, followed by the subtle hints of sakura flowers. The spicy aftertaste of the sansho pepper creates a distinctive and long-lasting finish.

• The Pricing

  The standard price for the Suntory Roku Japanese Gin 700ml stands at around $88.00. Paneco Members enjoy a special discounted rate for Suntory Roku Japanese Gin 700ml at just $60.95, down from the standard price of $88.00. Additionally, if you're considering buying in bulk, the case discount drops the price even further to $58.95 per bottle when purchasing two.

Final Verdict: Is Suntory Roku Gin Worth the Money?

While many gins in this price bracket offer standard classic London Dry style flavors, Roku brings something different to the table. It's not just about the juniper; it's a harmony of six unique Japanese botanicals that gives it a distinct edge.

Gin is a wonderful spirit because each distiller has the opportunity to create their own unique blend, and Suntory has truly accomplished this with Roku. Whether you prefer to enjoy it neat or in a cocktail, Roku is a smooth choice that will never disappoint.

Suntory Roku Japanese Gin

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FAQ

• What Mixes Well with Suntory Roku Gin?

  Personally, I would drink good quality gins like Roku as is or make freezer-cold martinis to appreciate the subtle flavors. For mixers, I would recommend either soda or tonic with small cuts of ginger. Avoid going for heavily flavored sodas to appreciate the quality of the spirit.

• What Size Does Suntory Roku Gin Come In?

  The standard size is around 700ml in most Southeast Asia and 750ml in Europe and the Americas.

• How Long Can Suntory Roku Gin Be Kept?

  Spirits, in general, are shelf-stable and can be kept for a long time. However, I do suggest keeping them away from direct sunlight or better stored in the freezer to maintain quality.