Roku Gin, the authentic Japanese craft gin from The House of Suntory, introduces Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition, a limited-edition expression inspired by Noryo, the Japanese tradition of seeking moments of refreshment and tranquillity during the height of summer.
Following the successful debut of the Sakura Bloom Edition in 2024, the Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition arrives as the second release in the Seasonal Festival Collection. The Editions are crafted with Roku’s signature commitment to Shun – the Japanese philosophy of celebrating ingredients at their seasonal peak, when ripeness and freshness come together to express their most exceptional flavor. Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition highlights two of Roku Gin’s six signature Japanese botanicals, Sencha tea and Gyokuro green tea, harvested at their seasonal peak to create a refreshing summer expression.
After its recent Singapore debut, Roku Gin will bring “Asia’s Smallest Tea Bar” to Malaysia, creating a refreshing escape where consumers can discover the Noryo Tea Edition through seasonal cocktail collaboration, matcha cocktail masterclasses and modern lifestyle collaborations.
A SUMMER EXPRESSION ROOTED IN JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Rooted in Roku Gin’s meticulous approach to craftsmanship, the Noryo Tea Edition reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional quality through Japan’s finest seasonal botanicals. This limited-edition expression brings together Sencha and Gyokuro teas, combining the vibrant freshness of Sencha with the rich umami depth that defines Gyokuro.
Tasting Notes: The Sensory Profile of Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition
Nose: A delicate, grassy lift of Sencha tea layered over soft citrus and traditional gin notes, reminiscent of a cool breeze gliding across a warm meadow.
Palate: Rich, complex Gyokuro aromas unfold across the palate, hints of sweetness and umami of this prestigious tea perfectly balancing the lighter, floral notes of Sencha.
Finish: Yuzu citrus, bright Sansho spice, and traditional gin characteristics slowly build into a harmonious finish with elegant tea aromas.
The Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition Bottle Design
This limited edition bottle design captures the spirit of Noryo by featuring tea leaf illustrations, a washi-inspired label with green accents, and botanical elements embossed directly into the glass. Each element represents Roku Gin’s appreciation for seasonality, nature, and the artistry behind every bottle.
DISCOVERING NEW MOMENTS OF REFRESHMENT THROUGH TEA AND GIN
Beyond its seasonal inspiration, Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition invites consumers to experience gin through the familiar world of Japanese tea. By combining recognisable green tea flavours with Roku Gin’s signature Japanese botanicals, the expression offers an approachable entry point for consumers to explore gin in a fresh and unexpected way.
Whether enjoyed during a quiet personal pause, a catch-up with friends, or as part of a crafted cocktail experience, Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition encourages consumers to step away from everyday, mundane routines and rediscover moments of connection and refreshment.
“As Malaysia’s No. 1 gin, Roku Gin is committed to bringing the latest expressions of Japanese seasonality and craftsmanship to this priority market. Noryo Tea Edition is the newest example of that commitment, we wanted to introduce a new way for consumers to experience gin by connecting with the growing appreciation for green tea and tea-inspired flavours. Through our collaborations with beverage talents and local venues, we are creating more approachable and engaging ways for consumers to discover Roku Gin, it also shows how Japanese craftsmanship can be brought into contemporary drinking occasion” said Roger Chen, Marketing Director, Southeast Asia.
Through this expression, Roku Gin continues to redefine how consumers experience Japanese craft gin, transforming seasonal ingredients into meaningful moments of discovery.
Taking an unconventional approach to cocktail programming, Roku Gin has partnered with Shaun Liew, founder of ONO Specialty Coffee & Matcha and three-time Malaysia Brewers Cup champion, bringing a specialty tea perspective into the world of cocktails. Reflecting the brand’s ambition to engage new consumers and make cocktail culture more approachable, Shaun will collaborate with head bartenders from partnering bars to create a bespoke Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition serve unique to each venue.
BRINGING NORYO TEA EDITION TO MALAYSIA THROUGH ASIA’S SMALLEST TEA BAR
Serving as the first consumer touchpoint for Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition, Asia’s Smallest Tea Bar will take place at Coley from 17 to 22 August, inviting consumers to step away from their usual cocktail choices and discover Roku Gin through tea-inspired cocktails, including the signature Noryo Melon Fizz, and matcha-led experiences designed around the new expression. Consumers can sign up via Eventbrite to redeem a complimentary Noryo Melon Fizz, while also participating in limited-seat experiences including a Matcha Cocktail Masterclass hosted by Shaun Liew. As part of the experience, participants will enjoy a complimentary Noryo Tea Edition cocktail and receive an exclusive Roku Noryo art handfan.
Extending the Noryo experience beyond Coley, the cocktail programme will feature partnering bars such as Pahit, TeRu.Mi, Bar Gaya and Dear Hearts and Chilled Spirits, each presenting their own interpretation of Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition through a bespoke venue-exclusive serve with the curated menu launching from 1 September onwards.
“Tea has always been about discovery. From understanding different ingredients to appreciating the nuances in every cup. What makes Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition special is how it brings the familiarity of Japanese tea culture into the world of cocktails, creating a new way for consumers to explore flavour. This collaboration showcases how tea can be reimagined beyond its traditional format, while introducing more people to the versatility and creativity of tea-inspired drinks,” said Shaun Liew, founder of ONO Specialty Coffee & Matcha and three-time Malaysia Brewers Cup champion.
“At Coley, we are always looking for new ways to introduce guests to unique flavours and experiences. Asia’s Smallest Tea Bar is an exciting opportunity to bring Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition to life in a way that feels approachable, inviting both first-time gin drinkers and existing enthusiasts to discover something different. We hope to create a space where guests can take a break, explore tea-inspired cocktails, and experience a fresh perspective on gin,” said Loco, Bar Manager at Coley.
More than a limited-edition release, Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition is an invitation to embrace the Japanese philosophy of Noryo, finding refreshment, connection and appreciation for the season through thoughtfully crafted experiences.
EXPERIENCE ROKU GIN NORYO TEA EDITION
Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition
700ml | 43% ABV
RRP: [RM248.00]
Available at selected retail and on-trade locations. This product contains alcohol and is intended for non-Muslim consumers aged 21 and above only.