The House of Suntory, founders of Japanese whisky, have introduced Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka to the U.S.
Roku Gin, which launches in the U.S. this month at a suggested retail price of $27.99, will be available in a 750-ml. bottle at 43% ABV. Roku, which translates as “six” in Japanese, is made with six traditional Japanese botanicals: Sakura flower, Sakura leaf, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea, Gyokuro tea and Sansho pepper.
On the nose are cherry blossom and green tea, plus a floral and sweet aroma, the company reports. Flavors include various botanicals with yuzu as the top note. The finish includes Japanese Sansho pepper for a hint of spiciness.
Haku Vodka, launching exclusively in the U.S. this month at a suggested retail price of $27.99 in a 750-ml. bottle at 40% ABV.
Made from 100% Japanese white rice. In Kagoshima, Kyushu, a region known for its rice-spirit making, the process begins with white rice fermented with koji rice to create a mash. The mash is then distilled through pot stills to create a rice spirit. It is then distilled for a second time through two different processes in a pot still and column still. This liquid is then blended and filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka, Japan.
On the nose is a soft aroma with delicate floral aroma of rice, the company says, followed by flavors of natural sweetness.
