The House of Suntory unveils a new addition to its esteemed ROKU Gin family in Malaysia: ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition, a limited-edition gin celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of Japanese springtime. This release also marks a milestone in the House of Suntory’s Festival Collection, where it is the first release ever in this global series of exceptional ROKU Gin spirits crafted to capture the essence of each season.
ROKU Gin captures the essence of the Japanese philosophy of “shun,” embracing the fleeting peak of flavor and freshness found in nature. In its latest offering, the limited-edition ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition, the brand honors the revered Hanami Festival, a globally acclaimed event drawing crowds to Japan to behold the enchanting cherry blossom spectacle. Reflecting this cultural tradition, the ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition embodies the essence of the festival, inviting drinkers to savor each sip infused with the delicate sweetness and vibrant essence of sakura flowers, harvested at the height of their flavor and brilliance.
James Bowker, Global Advocacy Manager of Beam Suntory, said: “The ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition provides an immersion into the cultural origins of the product as well as providing a unique taste profile. Giving the brand a compelling point of difference in the premium gin market.”
Formulated by skilled artisans through a precise fusion of six botanicals, the ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition presents a gentle, refined, and subtly floral flavor profile. Each indulgent sip reveals intricate layers of taste, delicately interwoven with subtle notes of salinity derived from the cherry blossom leaves. This results in a gin of remarkable complexity and invigorating freshness, reminiscent of the vibrant spirit of spring in its fullest splendor.
Rohan Matmary, head bartender at Bar Trigona, further describes ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition’s unique flavour: “Its delicate fragrance, highlighted by hints of fresh flowers, red berries, and cherries, is reminiscent of Cherry Drops candy, alongside accents of pink grapefruit citrus, sansho spice, and a subtle touch of saltiness on the floral finish.”
For Wong Kelvin, bartender at Good Friends Club, ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition holds a distinct floral character. “With its delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness, it is a smooth gin that is unmatched and difficult to replace with any other alternative.”
To celebrate the launch of ROKU Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition, the brand has partnered with Lilin + Co to create a unique sensory experience that reflects the exquisite flavors of this special gin. “We are excited to introduce the Lilin + Co x ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition candle, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of cherry blossoms in full bloom,” says Alaric Ng, Senior Marketing Manager at ROKU Gin & the House of Suntory. “These candles are designed to enhance your enjoyment of ROKU Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, transporting you to the enchanting cherry blossom season with their luxurious fragrances.” The Lilin + Co x ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition Candle is available in limited quantities throughout May and June, both online store and at their physical stores located in APW Bangsar and the PJ Showroom.
“The collaboration between Lilin + Co and ROKU Gin draw parallels on the art of craftmanship and the allure of intricate detail while celebrating creativity. We wanted to encapsulate the essence of spring’s fresh blossoms in a scent while evoking a sense of elegance,” said Founders of Lilin + Co, Marcus Khoo and Julie Yim.
To perfectly capture the delicate fragrance of sakura blossoms at home, infuse any space with the enchanting aroma of Lilin + Co candles while enjoying a ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition Gin & Tonic. Use one part ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition and one part tonic water, or opt for a Vesper Martini or Sweet Sour Cocktail with one part ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition, three parts tonic water, and a slice of pink grapefruit garnish. Serve over ice in a highball glass for a delightful experience.
Jon Lee, head bartender at Penrose (ranked No.50 on Asia’s Best Bars 2023), offers his advice on creating a distinctive and flavorful ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition cocktail: “Simplicity is key. The ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition shines on its own and doesn’t need elaborate ingredients to highlight its unique qualities.”
ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition (43% Alc./Vol) is available for a limited time only, both online such as ChillOut, Nomu, E-Bar, Whiskery, Tong Woh and in selected retail locations across Malaysia such as Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer, BIG, and Pavilion Bukit Jalil starting from 14 May 2024 while stocks last. To celebrate the release, 20 top bars across Malaysia will be offering their own unique interpretations of cocktails inspired by ROKU Sakura Bloom Gin. Created by skilled mixologists, these delightful drinks showcase the versatility and vibrancy of the ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition:
Concubine
1. Sirap Jepun (RM 48+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Dry Vermouth, Pink Peppercorn, Oolong & Rose Tea, Lychee, Lactic Acid Clarified Sakura Milk
2. Yuzu Kosho (RM 48+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Salted Cucumber and Green Chili Cordial, Yuzu, Carbonated
3. Bitter Bouquet (RM 48+) ROKU Gin, Chrysanthemum, Cocchi Americano, Gentian Liqueur, Italicus, Grapefruit Bitters
Location & Reservations Lot 2, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +6011 6090 2416
Instagram: @concubine_kl
Desire Speakesy KL
1. The Drupe Sour (RM 40) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Mango Cordial, Coconut Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Egg white
2. Mo’s Highball (RM 38) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Cucumber Mint Shrub, Angostura Bitters, Soda Water
3. Snowgroni (RM 40) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Lillet Blanc, Rose Syrup, Campari Foam
Location & Reservations: Lot 6-A & 6-1A, Plaza Batai, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6018 960 1871
Instagram: @desirespeakeasy
Frank’s Bar KL
1. Sea Of Colour (RM 55+) Pandan Infused ROKU Sakura Bloom, Bigallet China-China, Whey, Orange Air, Bitters Rosemary Infused Wine
2. Tiki Nanami (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Passionfruit, Cherry Heering, Rosso Vermouth, Grenadine, Pineapple Juice, Coffee Bitters
3. The Martinez (RM 55+) ROKU Gin, Rosso Vermouth, Maraschino Cherry, Bitters
Location & Reservations Unit 06, Level 03, Avenue K, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6012 674 4860
Instagram: @franks.kl
Here & Now
1. Guava (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Clarified Pink Guava, H&N Basil Cordial, Saline, Citrus
2. Papaya (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Papaya Juice, Honey, Yuzu, Kaffir Leaf, Mezcal, Citrus, Soda
3. Kedondong (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura, Shochu, Distillate Calamansi, Pickled Kedondong, Citric
Location & Reservations: E-3-02, Aras 3, Block E, The Five @ KPD, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +6012 417 1753
Instagram: @hereandnow.my
Ikiya 2.0
1. ROKU Martini (RM 55) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Bianco Vermouth, Yuzu Bitters, Pickled Ginger
2. Sakura Negroni (RM 52) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Bianco Vermouth, Clear Amaro, Sakura Bitters
3. City Blossoms (RM 50) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Green Melon, Violet, Matcha, Egg White
Location & Reservations 14a, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6011 1756 5496
Instagram: @ikiya.2.0
Jann KL
1. Datifuji (RM 50+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Fuji Apple Brine, Dry Vermouth, Shiso Bitters
2. Hana Yuzu (RM 50+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Yuzu Milk Whey Jasmine Green Tea Foam
3. Water Melon (RM 50+) ROKU Gin, Lacto-Fermented Honeydew & Wintermelon, Lime, Mint
Location & Reservations: Four Points by Sheraton (Chinatown), Level 7, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2035 7333
Instagram: @jann.kl
Louie’s Bar
1. UME-tini (RM 60+) ROKU Gin Sakura Bloom, Dolin Dry, Salted Plum, Plum, Sansho Pepper Corn, Lemon
2. MIDOR-ini (RM 60+) Celery Infused ROKU Gin Sakura Bloom, Dolin Dry, Green Apple, Bittertruth Celery Bitters, Black Pepper Corn
3. UMAM-ini (RM 60+) Truffle Infuse ROKU Gin, Cocchi Americano, Rye, Angostura Orange Bitter, White Peppercorn
Location & Reservations: Unit 8-4A, Plaza Batai, 8, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Instagram: @louiesbar_kl
Pahit
1. Sakura (RM 45+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Cocchi Rosa, Dry Sake, Egg White, Lemon Juice, Cherry Blossom Syrup
2. Ume (RM 45+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Vanilla Syrup, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Lime Juice, Umeshu, TJB Sakura Bitters
3. Strawberry (RM 45+) Strawberry Infused ROKU Gin, Lillet Rose, Gajardo Triple Sec Radicale, Strawberry Jasmine Soda
Location & Reservations: 3, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +603 2110 0776
Instagram: @barpahit
Penrose
1. Fubuki Martini (RM 55+) ROKU Gin, Bianco infused Sakura, Dry Vermouth infused Gyokuro, Pickled Sakura Tincture
2. Murasaki (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Purple Cabbage, Grapefruit Juice, Sugar Syrup, Lemon Juice, Fennel Bitters
3. Tangotini (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Blossom, Mangosteen Cordial, Grapefruit Juice, Orange Bitters
Location & Reservations: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Instagram: @penrose.kl
Rakh KL
1. S1 (RM50++) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Wasabi Distillate, Mancino Sakura, Hajikami Shoga
2. S2 (RM50++) ROKU Gin, Cucumber, Modern Lime, Honeydew, Cherry Blossom lather, Fizz
3. S3 (RM50++) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Tuak, Rooibos, Red bean.
All three cocktails for RM 135++
Location & Reservations: E-1-01, Level 1 The Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6012 923 3249
Instagram: @rakh.kl
Reka: Bar
1. Ochawari (RM 55+) ROKU Gin, Shisho, Sakura Vermouth, Oolong Kombucha
2. Anohana (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Blossom Bloom, Umeshu, Clarified Adzuki Bean Milk, Salted Matcha Float
3. Niwa Matīni (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Blossom Bloom, Garden Vermouth, Kiwi, Dashi
Location & Reservations: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +6010 287 8908
Instagram: @reka.bar
Remedy
1. Sakuma Drops (RM55) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Yuzu, Elderflower, White Mint Liqueur, Citric Solution, Saline, Sencha Powder Rim
2. Nigaita (RM50) ROKU Gin, Chamomile Infused Wintermelon Tea, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Orange Blossom Water, Sour Plum Stick
3. Hanami (RM55) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Pear, Lemon, Egg White, Jasmine Flower
Location & Reservations: 11A, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: +6017 781 7110
Instagram: @remedy.cocktailbar
Terumi
1. Yoshiharu 吉春 (RM45+) Celebrate for Season of Growth and Renewal Chrysanthemum Infused ROKU Sakura Bloom, Pepper Tincture, Yuzu Puree, Lime Juice
2. Miharu 実春 (Rm45+) Fruitful and Abundance ROKU Sakura Bloom, Chrysanthemum Strawberry Shrub, Soda, Mousse
3. Haruka 悠香 (Rm45+) Continue Journey Leisurely and Relaxing ROKU Gin, Chrysanthemum Vermouth, Orange Bitter, Elderflower Liqueur, Saffron Oil
Location & Reservations: 9a, Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Phone: +60111 5915 0308
Instagram: @bar.terumi
The Vault KL
1. Hanami (RM 42+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Triple Sec, Pink Grapefruit, Cranberry Juice, Sakura Foam
2. Natsu (RM 42+) ROKU Gin, X-Rated, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Honey, Calamansi, Yuzu Juice, Angostura Bitters
3. Sakura Bloom (RM 42+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Montanne Mix Berries, Macadamia, Ginger Juice, Mure and Rose Wine, Lemon Juice
All three for RM 120+
Location & Reservations: 5, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +6012 465 0551
Instagram: @thevaultkl
Bar Trigona
1. Sakura Spritzer (RM 68+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Sakura Wine, Green Vanilla Soda, Salted Sakura Flower
2. Sakura Punch (RM 68+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Lacto-Fermented Cacao, Soursop, Coconut Milk, Sour Cherry
3. Mangosteen Mule (RM 68+) ROKU Gin, Mangosteen, Bunga Kantan, Ginger Beer
Location & Reservations: Four Seasons Hotel KL, 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +603 2382 8670
Instagram: @bartrigona
Wet Deck(W Hotel)
1. Creaming Blossoms (RM 50 nett) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Pomegranate Cordial, Lemon Juice
2. Martini Blossom (RM 50 nett) ROKU Gin, ROKU Sakura Bloom, Dry Vermouth
3. Gin Blossom Strawberry (RM 50 nett) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Lemon Juice, Strawberry Oleo, Sugar, Foamee
Location & Reservations: W Kuala Lumpur, Level 12, 121, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +6012 347 9088
Instagram: @wetdeckkualalumpur
Good Friends Club
1. FAR – by Justin (RM45+) ROKU Gin, Ylang-Ylang, Lemon, Syrup, Saline
2. Serendipity – by Jensen (RM50+) ROKU Sakura Blossom Gin, Vodka, Lillet, Melon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Apple & Cucumber pickle
3. The GF Club – by Kelvin (RM50+) ROKU Sakura Blossom Gin, Raspberry, Sunflower Seed, Lemon Juice, Matcha
Location & Reservations: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Phone: +6010 568 0527
Instagram: @goodfriendsclubpg
Cabinet 8
1. Tea Master (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Sandalwood, Genmaicha, Chamomile
2. Rubi-Hi (RM 55+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Roselle, Berries, Rooibos Tea, Dill
3. Florist (RM 55+) ROKU Gin, Geranium, St. Germain, Moscato, Citrus
Location & Reservations: 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor.
Phone: +6013 234 1018
Facebook : @Cabinet8jwc
Backdoor Bodega
1. Pink Martini (RM 65+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Torch Ginger Flower, Maraschino, Citric Solution
2. Blossom & Bubbles (RM 65+) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Triple Sec, Lychee, Pink Peppercorn Espuma
3. Dango Unchained (RM 65+) ROKU Gin, Coconut, Soy Caramel, Lime, Clarified Milk, Dango
Location & Reservations: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Instagram: @backdoorbodega
Shui Bar
1. The Flower (RM50) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Geranium Distillate, Sour, Peach & Jasmine Soda, Ulam Raja Flower
2. The Green (RM55) ROKU Sakura Bloom, Gyokuro Distillate, Clarified Guava, Dry Vermouth
3. The Sun (RM50) ROKU Gin, Lapsang Souchang Distillate, Palo Santos & Orange Milk Punch, Frangelico, Cured Egg Yolk
Location & Reservations: 25-03, Jln Sri Pelangi 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru.
Instagram: @shui.my
Don’t miss the chance to experience the enchanting flavors of spring with ROKU Sakura Bloom Edition, a limited-edition gin that beautifully captures the essence of Japanese cherry blossoms. This unique release from the House of Suntory is a celebration of the Hanami Festival, offering a delicate, floral taste profile that sets it apart in the premium gin market.
For more information on consumer events with selected bar partners from June 2024 onwards, visit https://rokugin-sakurabloom.com/.
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