Tag Archives: premium 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.”

Tilaknagar Industries ups investment in Samsara-maker Spaceman Spirits Lab

IMFL manufacturer, Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TI) has made a follow-on investment of ₹10.66 crore in Spaceman Spirits Lab Private Limited (SSL), the maker of premium craft spirits such as Samsara Gin; Sitara Rum and Amara Vodka.

While ₹9.15 crore is part of the previously announced ₹13.15 crore investment envisaged under the September 2024 agreement between TI and SSL, the balance ₹1.51 crore is being invested to acquire shares from some of the early shareholders in SSL.

With this investment, TI’s stake in SSL increases from 12.98% to 21.36% on a fully-diluted basis. The definitive agreements further provide TI with the option to invest additional capital or acquire further stake from other shareholders at a pre-determined valuation methodology, subject to SSL achieving certain pre-agreed milestones. 

Ameya Deshpande, President – Strategy and Corporate Development, Tilaknagar Industries

Ameya Deshpande, President – Strategy and Corporate Development, Tilaknagar Industries said, “Our continued investment in Spaceman Spirits Lab reflects our conviction in the enduring appeal of premium craft spirits in a rapidly evolving market. Their thoughtfully curated portfolio featuring Samsara Gin, Sitara Rum and Amara Vodka demonstrates innovation, quality and craftsmanship. We are excited to deepen our partnership as Spaceman enters a new phase of growth.”

According to TI, the company is subscribing to 1,772 equity shares and 11,752 Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares for ₹9.15 crore. Further, TI is acquiring 2,236 equity shares from existing SSL shareholders for ₹1.51 crore.

Aditya Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Spaceman Spirits Lab

Aditya Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Spaceman Spirits Lab, said, “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Tilaknagar Industries as we embark on a bold new chapter. With Tilaknagar’s extensive distribution network and industry leadership, we are excited to take our iconic brands to every corner of India.”

SSL is preparing to diversify its product portfolio with strategic forays into new categories including whisky, heritage liqueurs and tequila. “We are anticipating robust performance in the current fiscal, with projected revenue growth of nearly 70% and volume growth of about 60% in FY26,” Aggarwal added.

Tilaknagar Industries is expected to leverage its distribution network to sell Samsara Gin, Sitara Rum and Amara Vodka in certain states in India and abroad.