-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
The House of Suntory has officially introduced the Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition to the Indian market. This limited-edition expression is deeply inspired by the iconic Sakura flower (cherry blossom) and the globally celebrated Japanese tradition of the Hanami festival, which translates to “gazing at flowers.” The launch is designed to bring the delicate, vibrant spirit of Japanese springtime to India.
This new gin is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Shun, which emphasizes the appreciation of nature’s best and freshest seasonal flavours. The Sakura Bloom Edition perfectly captures the freshness and vibrancy of spring, evoking the timeless beauty of Hanami—the centuries-old practice of gathering under blooming cherry blossom trees to celebrate their transient beauty.
Crafted with Roku’s signature foundation of six Japanese botanicals, the Sakura Bloom Edition offers a delicately balanced and complex flavour profile. It is characterized by a delicate, sweet floral essence, which is artfully complemented by subtle salty notes derived from the Sakura blossom leaves. This careful crafting process enhances the natural sweetness of the cherry blossom, resulting in a perfectly balanced and refined gin.
Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing, Suntory Global Spirits, noted that the introduction of this edition in India is both “timely and strategic,” given the steady growth in global demand for Japanese gin. He highlighted that as consumer preferences in India evolve toward more delicate and refined flavour profiles, this expression strengthens Roku’s premium standing in the category. Walli emphasized that this “truly special release” marries Japanese craftsmanship with heritage, offering Indian gin enthusiasts a high-quality, sensorial experience rooted in nature and seasonality, featuring a heightened Sakura profile with its elegant soft floral notes.