Beam Suntory confirms global launch of Japanese gin Roku

Beam Suntory is to roll out its Japanese gin Roku to international markets from September, expanding the brand’s reach outside of Japan for the first time.

The first premium Japanese craft gin in its portfolio, Roku is currently only sold in Japan but will be available in Germany, Taiwan, and South East Asian markets from September 2017 in a 700ml bottle at 43% abv and an RRP of €27.50. A special Select Edition will also be available in global travel retail channels.

“We are very excited and honoured to bring Roku Japanese gin to global markets and a special Select Edition to global travel retail,” said Jeanette Edwards, Beam Suntory’s international brand director. “We are confident that Roku will become the definitive Japanese craft gin in the global premium gin category, which has enjoyed significant growth in recent years.”

Meaning ‘six’ in Japanese, Roku is made using six traditional Japanese botanicals – sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper – which are harvested at their peak of flavour and then distilled using a selection of different pot stills and blended in Osaka, Japan.

Eight further “traditional” botanicals are also used – juniper berry, coriander seeds, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom seed, cinnamon, bitter orange peel and lemon peel.

The drinks producer said Roku had been born out of a vision to create a “truly authentic Japanese product to meet demand for a crafted, premium gin with a distinctive and balanced flavour”, with the spirit joining its growing portfolio of international gins, which include the London-based Sipsmith and Spanish Larios.