Suntory Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition – 700ml

Roku Sakura Blossom edition captures the freshness and brightness of springtime and the Hanami Festival, bringing a soft and elegant sweet floral taste, layered with hints of saltiness from the blossom leaves. Intertwined with the complexity and harmonious blend of botanicals, naturally enhancing the sweetness of Roku.

Aroma: There’s strong piney notes of juniper, coupled with some citrusy notes of yuzu and lemon zest. Surprisingly, this smells very much like a classic London Dry! I’m not getting much floral notes here, with the dominant aromas coming across as piney and citrusy. Subsequent sniffs brings forth a tickle of light peppery notes as well. Overall, very bright and clean.

Taste: On the palate, you finally get what you’ve been waiting for, and the floral, perfumery notes of sakura flowers finally make their entrance. There’s a gentle floral sweetness that’s balanced nicely with a savoury, umami accent of sea salt and soy – akin to the slightly salty-sweet Sakura mochi snack. There’s a certain alkalinity to this floral gin that reminds me of potpourri and soap. Towards the end, I pick up yuzu, black tea and a growing heat of sansho peppers, cinnamon, and coriander seeds.

Finish: Medium. The finish maintains the spiciness with prickly peppers, chilli, cinnamon. I pick up a tannic undertone of roasted black tea leaves, some sea salt and a slight lingering mintiness.