Roku Gin

Roku Gin review

Read our Roku Gin review that finds the taste of Japan in a bottle. Some unique Japanese botanicals combine with more traditional fare in this delicate and light gin. A mid-priced gin from Japan, Roku comes in at at 43% ABV and features the number six. A lot.

Sample botanicals: Juniper; coriander; yuzu peel; sakura flower and leaf (cherry blossom and leaf); sencha tea

Roku Gin review

Roku combines six Japanese botanicals with a range of eight more ‘traditional’ gin botanicals. It has a six-sided bottle, and Roku means six in Japanese. We weren’t familiar with some of the Japanese botanicals at work before trying Roku. It does have quite a citrus hit to it. Those more traditional gin botanicals seemed to dominate at first, but it then got more delicate the more we tried it.

In fact, this is quite a subtle gin overall. There’s a light spiciness, and that citrus hit we mention isn’t a full-blown punch. If you’ve ever tried a Japanese whisky, you’ll already know that Japanese spirits often have a very harmonious quality. On the nose, the gin is light and floral, with hints of cherry blossom and green tea. On the palate, the gin is full of juniper and citrus notes, with a subtle hint of spice that lingers in the mouth. The balance of botanicals is perfect, with none overpowering the other, creating a well-rounded and complex taste profile.

How to serve Roku Gin

Drink Roku Gin with a good quality tonic and ice. We liked it best with a fresh lime garnish. The ice and citrus notes bring out the flavours of the gin and enhance its aromatic qualities further. We also thought Roku Gin worked well with elderflower tonic, but weren’t hugely keen to try it with the ginger sticks, ice and tonic that is suggested as the perfect serve. We thought the ginger would likely dominate what, to us, is a light gin. Let us know in the comments if it works for you though.

Roku Gin does make a good base for classic gin cocktails like negronis and martinis. It elevates the taste of these cocktails, adding a unique Japanese touch to them.

Buy Roku Gin UK

Roku Gin is widely available in the UK and can be found in most large supermarkets, specialist spirits stores and online retailers. All the usual suspects sell Roku Gin, like Amazon, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange. Buy Roku Gin from Amazon, and for the latest price below:

You can also buy Roku Gin from Master or Malt

Calories in Roku Gin

Roku Gin has approximately 110 calories per serving (25ml), making it a relatively low-calorie alcoholic spirit. It’s always worth noting that calorie contents will vary with the tonics/mixers you use.

Who makes Roku Gin?

Roku gin is made by the Japanese spirits company Suntory, which is known for its whiskies and other spirits. Suntory has been around for over a century and is a well-regarded company in the spirits industry. The official website for Roku Gin (it’s part of Suntory) is helpful, and there are some serving suggestions (including that ginger!) and a bit more on the botanicals.

Roku Gin Glasses

We couldn’t find any branded Roku gin glasses, but there are plenty gin glass styles and designs. We reckon these Copa de Balon Gin Glasses below will help showcase the beauty of the gin and its delicate floral aroma.

Roku Gin Gift Sets

Roku Gin gift sets are an excellent way to introduce someone to the taste of this gin or as a treat for someone who already loves it. These sets typically include a bottle of Roku gin and one or more glasses. Some special gift sets feature a variety of Japanese botanicals, allowing the recipient to experiment with the flavours and aromas of the gin. It’s a well-known brand, so Roku Gin gift sets are available at various retailers. We really like this gin bottle and gift bag set:

Overall, Roku gin is a unique and delicious Japanese gin that is perfect for sipping, mixing or using as a base for cocktails. Its complex botanical blend adds an exciting dimension to classic gin cocktails, making them stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for a gin that offers something different, then Roku gin is an excellent choice. With its Japanese influence and striking bottle, it has become a firm favourite in the UK, and it is easy to see why. So go ahead and try a bottle today to see what all the fuss is about!