Roku Gin has launched the first limited-edition gin in its Seasonal Festive Collection the Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, focusing on the Sakura blossom petals, which are one of the six key botanicals in Roku Rin.
The Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition is crafted to capture the essence of Sakura in bloom, a fleeting phenomenon that transforms Japan into a sea of colour and delicate fragrances each spring. Lasting only two weeks, the Sakura bloom is enjoyed at its peak by millions of Japanese people in a ritual known as Hanami, or ‘flower viewing’.
This highlights one of the key elements of Roku Gin, the concept of ‘Shun’ which is about harvesting the six Japanese botanicals at their seasonal peak to make Roku the best gin it can be.
The tasting notes for the gin describe a nose that is ‘bright and inviting, evoking the freshness of early Spring. Gentle and soft floral notes of cherry blossom, reminiscent of a Japanese garden during Hanami season’.
The palate notes describe ‘soft and smooth top notes, subtly sweet and richly elegant. A nostalgic hint of the saltiness of Sakura-mochi, the traditional sweet of the season, balanced with the fruity sweetness of cherry blossoms, meticulously blended with Roku’s original botanicals’ and a finish that ‘invites the next sip’.
Signature serves include the staple of any gin, Roku Sakura and tonic, as well as a Roku Hanami Fizz with lemonade, raspberries, fresh ginger and a Sakura garnish. Plus there is the Roku Sakura Aperitif with cranberry juice, Aperol (or similar) and again a Sakura garnish.
To celebrate the release Roku has also partnered with florist-turned-perfumier, Saskia Havekes from Grandiflora to create Sakura Bloom Edition Eau De Toilette. The collaboration brings a new dimension to the art of perfumery, blending both floral and gin botanicals through masterful craftsmanship.
Saskia Havekes, founder of Grandiflora, said, “Working with Roku Gin on the Sakura Bloom Edition perfume has been an extraordinary journey. We wanted to create something that distills the fleeting Sakura season and Hanami festival into a timeless scent. Opening with the delicate sweetness of cherry blossoms, and rounded off with a smooth yet spicy, gin-like finish, the fragrance is sophisticated and refreshing.”
