Tag Archives: Artisanal Gin

Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition in India from The House of Suntory

The House of Suntory recently introduced Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition in India.  Inspired by the Sakura flower (also known as cherry blossom) and Japan’s world-renowned Hanami festival, which celebrates the tradition of “gazing at flowers”, this new edition brings the spirit of Japanese spring to life.

Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Shun—the appreciation of each season’s best flavours—Sakura Bloom Edition captures the freshness and vibrancy of Springtime in Japan. Crafted with the soft, floral essence of Sakura flower, this gin evokes the timeless beauty of Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of gathering under blooming cherry blossom trees to appreciate nature’s transient beauty.

The gin features a delicate, sweet floral character, complemented by subtle salty notes from Sakura blossom leaves, creating a beautifully layered experience. Crafted with Roku’s signature blend of six Japanese botanicals, this edition enhances the natural sweetness of the Sakura, resulting in a delicately complex and perfectly balanced—Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition.

“With the global appetite for Japanese gin growing steadily, the introduction of Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition in India is both timely and strategic,” said Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing, Suntory Global Spirits. “As consumer preferences evolve toward more delicate and refined flavour profiles, this expression strengthens Roku’s premium standing in the category while offering Indian gin lovers a sensorial journey rooted in nature and seasonality. This truly special release marries Japanese craftsmanship with heritage, delivering a differentiated, high-quality experience that Indian consumers increasingly seek. It features a heightened Sakura-inspired profile with soft floral notes, subtle sweetness, and the elegance of cherry blossom, tailored to delight”

Following its limited-time debut in global travel retail earlier this year, across key Indian airports including Mumbai and Delhi Duty Free, The House of Suntory’s exquisite Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition is now set to roll out in select cities across India, with plans to expand nationwide over time. Launching just as the country prepares for a vibrant festive and wedding season, Roku Sakura Bloom is a good gifting option.

‘Greater Than’ Brings Back Juniper Bomb

Juniper Bomb, first created in 2020 when a power outage extended a batch of Greater Than’s botanical soak from 10 to nearly 36 hours, the resulting gin was unexpectedly bold, unapologetically juniper-forward, and instantly loved. Originally released as a limited edition, it has found a cult following among purists and has now joined Nao Spirits & Beverages’ permanent lineup. Compared to Greater Than, Juniper Bomb triples the juniper load, delivering a classic London Dry
style gin that is electric—like biting straight into a plump Juniper Berry. It’s bold and complex at first, with a finish of ripe lychees. Its gin designed for those who like their spirit loud and proud; best had with lots of ice and tonic, and no additional garnish, what the team calls ‘Make It Naked’. Commenting on the launch, Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & Master Distiller, Nao Spirits, said, “Juniper Bomb wasn’t part of the plan. It was literally born out of a mistake—but the kind you want to make twice. It packs a punch—just like the juniper that defines it. We like to think of it as a gin with the
volume turned all the way up.”