Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition is a limited summer release inspired by noryo, the Japanese tradition of seeking coolness during the hottest part of the year. Launched globally in March 2026, it is the second bottle in Roku's Seasonal Festival Collection and deliberately increases the presence of Sencha and Gyokuro within Roku's six Japanese botanicals.

Sencha gives the nose a fresh green-tea lift, while Gyokuro brings a deeper, softly savoury tea character. Yuzu supplies clean citrus, sakura adds a delicate floral edge and sansho leaves a restrained peppery vibration at the finish. The palate should be read through the same sequence: juniper gives the structure, while the supporting botanicals provide lift, texture and length. At 43% ABV, the concentration is sufficient for a full glass of ice or a measured stirred serve. The finish is best understood through balance rather than a single dominant note, with the aromatic layers remaining clear after dilution.

The edition keeps Roku's composed Japanese botanical language while moving the emphasis toward tea, freshness and a long, cooling highball. That context matters because it explains the recipe without replacing the tasting experience. This is a bottle to approach slowly, first on the nose and then with a small sip, allowing its drier, brighter and more rounded elements to arrive in turn. It suits drinkers looking for a gin with a recognisable point of view and enough detail to reward a simple serve.

Build a tall Noryo-style highball with 4 cl gin, 10 cl tonic water, plenty of clear ice and a thin yuzu peel; serve very cold and stir once. The garnish is intentionally restrained: it should reveal the recipe, not turn the glass into decoration. Use cold ingredients, clear ice and a gentle stir so the aroma stays focused from the first sip to the final one.