In a city where the seasons blend seamlessly into one another, Singapore’s discerning drinkers have found their seasonal touchstone. The return of Roku Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition marks not merely another release, but rather a cultural moment that transforms drinking into an art form—a celebration of spring’s fleeting beauty captured within a meticulously crafted spirit.
Awakening the Senses: Roku Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition Heralds Spring’s Arrival
The relationship between Singapore and fine gin traces a fascinating arc through history—from colonial-era gin pahits to today’s sophisticated craft cocktail renaissance. Amidst this evolution, The House of Suntory’s Roku Gin has carved a distinct niche, embodying the Japanese concept of shun—that perfect moment when nature reaches its peak expression of vibrancy and vitality.
This year’s Roku Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition returns with renewed artistic vision, featuring a specially designed washi paper label by renowned Japanese artist Eriko Horiki. The bottle itself becomes a canvas where tradition meets contemporary expression—metallic tones and delicate pink hues simulate falling sakura petals, transforming each vessel into a keepsake that honours Japanese craftsmanship while pushing aesthetic boundaries.
The package design, conceptualised by artist Takeshi Ohgushi, employs his signature “Particles” technique to bring the Hanami festival experience to life. Through the natural interaction of gravity and water pressure, ink bleeds across the canvas in a manner that perfectly captures the organic blooming of sakura flowers—a thoughtful parallel to the natural processes that create the gin itself.
Where Craftsmanship Blossoms: A Culinary Journey with AMI Patisserie
The crown jewel of Roku’s spring celebration is undoubtedly the collaboration with AMI Patisserie, presenting an exclusive cocktail and dessert omakase experience from 4-6 April. At SGD$128++, this limited-seating event embodies the intersection of liquid and culinary artistry that today’s experience-seeking millennials and Gen Z connoisseurs crave.
The partnership feels predestined—AMI means “friend” in French and “blossoming in Asia” in Japanese—a linguistic coincidence that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this collaboration. Executive Pastry Chef Makoto Arami has joined forces with local food stylist C.R. Tan to create an eight-course omakase that deftly balances Japanese tradition with European pastry techniques.
“There’s an intrinsic synergy between Roku Gin’s philosophy and the way I approach my craft,” explains Chun Rong. “The Japanese spirit of monozukuri—the art of craftsmanship and continual refinement—resonates deeply with me.” This shared commitment to excellence manifests in signature creations like the Roku Sakura Bloom Gin and Tonic with Pink Gari, accompanied by two limited-edition cocktails specifically created for this experience.
For those unable to secure a seat at the omakase, AMI Patisserie offers a take-home alternative—a Limited Edition Sakura Bloom Petite Gateaux Set (SGD$68++) available throughout April. This quartet of sweet creations includes Strawberry Tarte, Matcha Kinako Choux, Sakura Choux, and Spring Citrus Tarte, each complemented by a complimentary Sakura Bloom Gin & Tonic with Pink Gari (while stocks last).
Singapore’s Finest Bars Embrace Sakura Season
Beyond the patisserie partnership, Roku Gin extends its spring celebration through collaborations with six of Singapore’s most distinguished establishments. From 1-30 April, signature venues including Nutmeg & Clove, Live Twice, Last Word, Taylor Adam, MOGA, and Neon Pigeon will each showcase three limited-edition cocktails co-created with Roku Gin using the Sakura Bloom Edition.
These collaborations spotlight Singapore’s next generation of bartending talent, allowing them to reinterpret Roku’s distinctive botanical profile through their unique creative lenses. With prices starting from SGD$28, these drinks offer an accessible entry point into premium cocktail culture for those curious about the intersection of Japanese traditions and modern mixology.
Capturing Spring’s Ephemeral Beauty
What makes Roku Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition particularly popular is how it bottles a fleeting seasonal moment. The delicate floral sweetness of sakura blossom alongside the subtle saltiness of sakura leaf creates a complex foundation that’s further enhanced by yuzu’s bright citrus notes, the umami depth of tea, and sansho pepper’s distinctive spice.
For Singapore’s savvy drinkers who value authentic experiences over mass-produced alternatives, Roku’s seasonal offering provides more than just another gin—it offers a tangible connection to Japanese cultural traditions and craft philosophy. In a beverage landscape increasingly defined by limited releases and seasonal specials, Roku has managed to create something that feels simultaneously exclusive yet accessible.
As drinks culture continues to evolve in Singapore, with consumers increasingly seeking products with narrative depth and cultural significance, Roku Gin’s Sakura Bloom Edition stands as an exemplar of thoughtful brand expression. It invites us all to pause, appreciate spring’s ephemeral beauty, and perhaps most importantly, to share these fleeting moments of connection with friends both old and new—preferably over a perfectly crafted cocktail.
Reservations for the AMI Patisserie Omakase experience are open to the public from 24 March 2025. Will you be among those who capture this season’s bloom in a glass?