Suntory Enters the Gin Market with New Distillery

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Suntory’s Roku gin: A Taste of Japan’s Botanical Craftsmanship

Osaka –

October 27, 2023

Distillery tours have blossomed alongside the global recognition for gin and cocktails. This trend has elevated the simple act of identifying aromatic elements in small containers to a sophisticated art form. At Suntory Spirits’ newly inaugurated Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery, this immersive olfactory experience is a cornerstone of the visitor journey.

The air within the distillery, situated at the existing Suntory Osaka Plant, is rich with the nuanced aromas that define Roku, Suntory’s celebrated craft gin. Beyond the expected notes of juniper berries and citrus peels, visitors discover the delicate fragrances of cherry blossom leaves, sencha, gyokuro, and sanshō pepper. These distinctive Japanese botanicals are meticulously chosen to craft Roku’s unique flavor profile.

Launched in Japan in 2017, roku has achieved remarkable international success. It is now available in approximately 60 countries, with the vast majority of its sales originating outside of Japan. the distinctive white label,proudly displaying the kanji character for “six,” has become a familiar sight in prominent bars across London,Singapore,and Hong Kong,underscoring its status as a sought-after global spirit.

What Makes Roku Gin Unique?

Roku Gin’s distinctiveness stems from its carefully selected blend of eight botanicals, including six native Japanese ingredients. This thoughtful combination results in a complex yet balanced flavor profile that captures the essence of Japanese seasonality and nature.

The distillery’s commitment to conventional Japanese craftsmanship, paired with innovative distillation techniques, ensures a consistent and high-quality product that appeals to both seasoned gin enthusiasts and newcomers to the spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roku Gin

What are the main botanicals in Roku Gin?

Roku Gin features six Japanese botanicals: sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, sansho pepper, and yuzu peel. It also includes traditional gin botanicals: juniper berry and bitter orange peel.

Where is Roku Gin produced?

Roku Gin is produced by Suntory Spirits at thier Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery in Osaka, Japan.

What is the meaning of ‘Roku’ in the gin’s name?

The name “Roku” is the Japanese word for “six,” referring to the six unique Japanese botanicals used in its production.

How is Roku Gin best enjoyed?

Roku Gin is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, including in a classic Gin & Tonic, a refreshing Highball, or in sophisticated cocktails, allowing its complex botanical notes to shine.

Is Roku Gin a Japanese craft gin?

Yes, Roku Gin is recognized as a premium Japanese craft gin, highlighting traditional Japanese ingredients and craftsmanship.

What are your thoughts on Roku Gin and Japanese spirits? Share your favorite ways to enjoy it in the comments below, and let us know what other spirits you’d like us to explore!

What are the key differences between Suntory’s approach to gin and its existing whisky and vodka production?

A New Chapter for the Japanese Spirits Giant

Suntory, renowned globally for its whisky – particularly Yamazaki and hibiki – and its vodka like Suntory Haku, is making a notable move into the gin category. This expansion isn’t just a line extension; it’s marked by the construction of a dedicated gin distillery, signaling a long-term commitment to crafting exceptional Japanese gin. While details are still emerging as of August 2nd,2025,the industry is buzzing with anticipation. this move positions Suntory to compete directly with other premium gin brands and capitalize on the growing global demand for craft gin and botanical spirits.

The Distillery: Location and Philosophy

The new distillery is strategically located in Osaka, Japan. This location isn’t accidental. Osaka has a rich history in the spirits industry, and Suntory already maintains significant distilling operations in the region, including facilities for its suntory Haku Vodka, which utilizes Japanese rice.

Leveraging Existing Expertise: Suntory’s experience in fermentation and distillation, honed through decades of whisky and vodka production, will be directly applicable to gin making.

Focus on Japanese Botanicals: A core tenet of the distillery’s philosophy is the utilization of native Japanese botanicals. This differentiates Suntory’s approach from many traditional London Dry Gins and other internationally-focused brands. Expect to see ingredients like yuzu, sansho pepper, and cherry blossom playing a role in the flavor profiles.

Enduring Practices: Suntory has a strong commitment to sustainability, and this is expected to extend to the new distillery. Details regarding water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency are anticipated as the project progresses.

What to Expect from Suntory Gin

While the exact range of gin expressions hasn’t been revealed, industry experts predict a diverse portfolio. Here’s a breakdown of potential offerings:

1. Traditional Dry Gin: A classic London Dry style gin showcasing Suntory’s precision and quality. This will likely serve as a benchmark for the brand’s gin capabilities.
2. Japanese Botanical Gin: The flagship expression, highlighting the unique flavors of Japanese botanicals. This is where suntory is expected to truly innovate and differentiate itself.
3. Limited Edition & Seasonal Gins: Small-batch releases featuring rare or seasonal botanicals, appealing to gin enthusiasts and collectors.
4. Pre-Mixed Gin Cocktails: Given Suntory’s expertise in beverage creation, pre-mixed gin cocktails are a likely extension of the product line, targeting convenience and accessibility.

The Rise of Japanese Gin: Market Trends

The global gin market has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by a renewed interest in cocktail culture and a demand for premium, craft spirits. Japanese gin is a relatively new but rapidly growing segment within this market.

Growth Drivers:

Cocktail Renaissance: The popularity of classic gin cocktails like the Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Negroni is fueling demand.

Premiumization: Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for high-quality, craft spirits with unique flavor profiles.

Japanese Craftsmanship: The reputation for quality and precision associated with Japanese craftsmanship is a significant draw for consumers.

Key Competitors: Existing Japanese gin brands include roku Gin (by Beam Suntory – a separate entity from Suntory) and other smaller, independent distilleries. Suntory’s entry will intensify competition and likely drive further innovation in the category.

LSI Keywords: Gin tasting, botanical