tldr: roku is the most interesting gin you can buy in india for under rs 3000. the 6 japanese botanicals (sakura, yuzu, sencha, gyokuro, sansho pepper, sakura leaf) give it a floral, tea-like, citrusy profile that’s completely different from any london dry gin. at rs 2500-3000, it’s priced similarly to bombay sapphire but offers a far more unique drinking experience. the G&T with ginger garnish is exceptional. if you’re bored of standard gins and want something genuinely different, roku is the move. rating: 8/10.
roku means “six” in japanese, and the gin is named after the 6 japanese botanicals that define its character. it’s made by suntory, the same company behind yamazaki and hibiki japanese whiskies, and it carries that same attention to detail and balance that suntory is known for. each of the 6 botanicals is harvested in season and distilled separately before being blended with 8 traditional gin botanicals. it’s a gin that takes itself seriously without being pretentious about it.
i haven’t tried roku personally yet. this review is research-backed, based on expert reviews from gin specialists, bartender recommendations, and detailed tasting notes from credible sources. i’ll be transparent about what’s expert opinion and what’s my analysis. when i try it, i’ll update with personal notes.
what drew me to research roku is the growing availability in india. japanese spirits are having a moment here, and roku has quietly appeared on shelves across major cities at rs 2500-3000. for a gin made by suntory with genuinely unique botanicals, that price point is interesting. the question is whether it delivers enough character to justify choosing it over the established options and the exciting indian craft gin scene.
roku gin at a glance
| detail | info |
|---|---|
| brand | roku |
| type | japanese craft gin |
| ABV | 43% |
| maker | beam suntory (house of suntory) |
| distillery | osaka, japan |
| botanicals | 14 total (6 japanese + 8 traditional) |
| price (700ml) | rs 2500-3000 |
| best for | gin and tonic, gin and soda |
| rating | 8/10 |
the bottle itself is distinctive. hexagonal shape (six sides for six botanicals), with each botanical embossed on a different face. it looks premium without being ostentatious. suntory claims each face represents a japanese season when the respective botanical is harvested.
the 6 japanese botanicals explained
this is what makes roku different from every other gin on the shelf:
| botanical | flavour contribution | harvest season |
|---|---|---|
| sakura flower (cherry blossom) | delicate floral sweetness | spring |
| sakura leaf | subtle herbal, slightly savoury | spring |
| yuzu peel | bright, complex citrus (not like lemon or lime) | autumn |
| sencha tea | fresh green tea, grassy | summer |
| gyokuro tea | deep, rich umami green tea | summer |
| sansho pepper | mild heat, citrusy tingle | autumn |
these 6 are layered on top of traditional gin botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel. the traditional base provides the gin backbone, and the japanese botanicals add the distinctive character.
the key production detail: each botanical type is distilled in a different still. suntory uses pot stills for some botanicals, stainless steel stills for others, depending on what extracts the best flavour from each ingredient. this is a level of precision you don’t find in most gins at this price point.
tasting notes (from expert reviews)
nose
reviewers describe a distinctly floral opening. cherry blossom and yuzu hit first, creating something that smells more like a japanese garden than a gin distillery. underneath the florals, there’s green tea (sencha) and a subtle juniper presence. the nose is delicate and inviting, not sharp or alcohol-forward.
palate
the palate delivers a smooth, layered experience. yuzu citrus is the most prominent note, brighter and more complex than the lemon you get in london dry gins. green tea (both sencha and gyokuro) adds a savoury, almost umami-like depth in the mid-palate. juniper is present but gentle, providing structure without dominating. there’s a subtle sweetness from the sakura elements and a mild peppery warmth from sansho that arrives late.
finish
clean and medium-length. the sansho pepper provides a pleasant tingle on the finish, and the green tea notes linger. it’s a finish that makes you want another sip rather than one that burns or overwhelms. reviewers consistently note how “clean” roku finishes compared to heavier london dry gins.
roku vs bombay sapphire vs indian craft gins
| aspect | roku | bombay sapphire | greater than / stranger & sons |
|---|---|---|---|
| style | japanese craft gin | london dry gin | indian craft gin |
| botanicals | 14 (6 japanese) | 10 (traditional) | 8-12 (indian botanicals) |
| dominant notes | floral, yuzu, green tea | citrus, juniper, pepper | varies (mango, gondhoraj, chamomile) |
| ABV | 43% | 47% | 42-43% |
| price (750ml) | rs 2500-3000 | rs 1500-2200 | rs 1500-2500 |
| best G&T garnish | ginger slice | lime wedge | depends on brand |
| uniqueness | high | medium | high |
| mixability | moderate (best in simple serves) | high (works in everything) | moderate to high |
| verdict | most interesting | most reliable | most innovative |
here’s the honest breakdown. if you want a gin that always works in any cocktail, bombay sapphire is still the safe choice. if you want to explore india’s own botanical identity, the indian craft gins are doing incredible things. but if you want something that tastes like nothing else in your collection, roku is the one.
how to drink roku
the perfect roku G&T
this is the serve that roku was designed for:
- 45ml roku gin
- 135ml tonic water (fever-tree or schweppes)
- thin slice of fresh ginger (not lime)
- plenty of ice
build in a tall glass with ice. pour roku, add tonic slowly. place the ginger slice in the drink. the ginger amplifies the sansho pepper warmth and complements the yuzu beautifully. suntory specifically recommends ginger over lime, and having researched it extensively, the reasoning makes sense. lime’s acidity can overpower the delicate cherry blossom and tea notes. ginger adds warmth without masking anything.
roku gin and soda
for a lighter serve:
- 45ml roku gin
- 150ml soda water
- squeeze of lime or thin ginger slice
- ice
this is the japanese highball philosophy applied to gin. the soda water lets every botanical speak without tonic’s sweetness getting in the way. perfect for hot indian summers when you want something refreshing and light.
roku martini
- 60ml roku gin
- 15ml dry vermouth
- stir with ice, strain into a chilled glass
- no garnish (or a tiny yuzu peel if you can find one)
roku makes a martini that’s more floral and delicate than a traditional one. it’s a different experience, closer to a japanese cocktail than a classic martini. worth trying if you’re a martini person.
is roku worth it in india?
at rs 2500-3000, roku sits in a crowded price bracket. here’s how to think about it:
choose roku if:
- you’re bored of london dry gins and want something genuinely different
- you appreciate delicate, floral, tea-like flavours
- you primarily drink gin in G&Ts and want to elevate that experience
- you’re interested in japanese spirits beyond whisky
choose something else if:
- you want a gin that works in heavy cocktails like negronis (go for tanqueray or beefeater)
- you want to support indian brands (greater than, stranger & sons, hapusa are all excellent)
- you want the strongest possible juniper hit (roku is subtle on juniper)
- you’re on a tight budget (there are good gins under rs 1500)
final verdict
roku is a gin that rewards attention. if you pour it carelessly into a glass with too much tonic and a lime wedge, you’ll miss what makes it special. but if you take 30 seconds to make a proper G&T with ginger garnish and good tonic, you’ll understand why suntory’s approach to gin is different from everyone else’s.
the japanese botanicals aren’t a gimmick. sakura, yuzu, and sencha genuinely create a flavour profile that doesn’t exist in london dry or indian craft gins. the sansho pepper finish is unique and memorable. the green tea depth adds a savoury complexity that makes roku more interesting sip after sip.
at rs 2500-3000 in india, it’s fairly priced for what it delivers. it’s not the most versatile gin, and it’s not trying to be. it’s a gin with a point of view, and that point of view is distinctly, beautifully japanese.
for more gin options in india, check out the best gin brands guide. and for a detailed look at the blue bottle that started it all, the bombay sapphire review covers everything.
drink responsibly. must be of legal drinking age in your state.
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frequently asked questions
is roku gin good?
yes. roku is a well-made, interesting gin with a distinct floral and tea-like character that sets it apart from london dry gins. the japanese botanicals (sakura, yuzu, sencha tea) give it a profile you won't find in any other gin at this price. it's smooth, balanced, and works beautifully in a G&T.
what does roku gin taste like?
roku gin has a delicate, floral, and slightly sweet profile. sakura (cherry blossom) and yuzu dominate the nose. the palate has green tea (sencha), gentle juniper, and a citrusy brightness from yuzu. the finish is smooth and clean with a subtle peppery warmth. it's lighter and more elegant than most london dry gins.
what is the price of roku gin in india?
roku gin 700ml costs rs 2500-3000 in india depending on the state. delhi and goa are cheapest at around rs 2500-2700. it's positioned as a premium import gin, slightly above bombay sapphire but below super-premium options like hendrick's.
what are the 6 japanese botanicals in roku gin?
the 6 japanese botanicals are: sakura flower (cherry blossom), sakura leaf, yuzu peel (japanese citrus), sencha tea (green tea), gyokuro tea (premium green tea), and sansho pepper (japanese pepper). these are layered on top of 8 traditional gin botanicals including juniper, coriander, and angelica.
how should i drink roku gin?
roku with tonic water is the best serve. use a 1:3 ratio with a light tonic like fever-tree or schweppes. garnish with a thin slice of ginger instead of lime to complement the japanese botanicals. roku also works well in a gin and soda with a yuzu or lime twist.
is roku gin better than bombay sapphire?
different styles. roku is more floral, delicate, and tea-like with japanese botanicals. bombay sapphire is more traditional, citrus-forward, and straightforward. roku is more interesting and unique. bombay sapphire is more versatile and familiar. at similar price points, roku offers a more distinctive experience.
is roku gin better than indian craft gins like greater than?
roku and indian craft gins occupy different spaces. roku has a distinctly japanese character with cherry blossom and green tea. greater than, stranger & sons, and others have uniquely indian profiles with mango, gondhoraj lime, and indian spices. all are more interesting than generic london dry gins. choose based on whether you want japanese or indian botanical character.
who makes roku gin?
roku is made by beam suntory (house of suntory) in osaka, japan. suntory is the same company behind hibiki, yamazaki, and hakushu japanese whiskies. roku uses suntory's expertise in balancing delicate flavours, and each of the 6 japanese botanicals is distilled separately before blending.
what tonic water goes best with roku gin?
fever-tree indian tonic or fever-tree light tonic work best with roku. the lighter tonic doesn't overwhelm the delicate floral notes. schweppes tonic is a solid budget option. avoid strongly flavoured tonic waters (like elderflower or Mediterranean) since they'll clash with the japanese botanicals.
can i use roku gin in cocktails other than G&T?
yes. roku works in a gin martini (drier and more floral than usual), a gimlet (the yuzu and lime complement each other), and a gin fizz. it's not ideal for negronis since the delicate botanicals get drowned by campari and vermouth. stick to cocktails that let the gin's character shine.