J’s image of Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition X Raku Gin

Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition was composed by perfumer Christophe Laudamiel alongside Saskia Havekes, a florist who has transitioned into the world of perfumery in 2013 with her beautiful fragrance brand Grandiflora. This graceful perfume draws inspiration from Roku gin’s Sakura limited edition release. It is exclusively available at select Roku Gin and Grandiflora events taking place this spring in Sydney. I’m already plotting my trip to Sydney to experience one of these stunning sounding events, as the ones I’ve read about so far sound absolutely amazing. Imagine enjoying gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, expertly crafted cocktails by mixologists, all while surrounded by the allure of this stunning perfume. For now, I feel like Gollum, cherishing ‘my precious’ samples of this beautiful perfume that I was fortunate enough to receive.

Images of Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition x Roku Gin launch with chef Luke Nguyen and Saskia Havekes with Roku Gin and Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition courtesy of the brand

Christophe Laudamiel stopped me in my tracks with this olfactive piece of magic. But before diving deeper, I must rewind a bit. I’ve loved Roku Gin began the moment it graced my shores. I think the first time I tried it was in Paris, from La Maison du Whisky, the leading European importer of Japanese spirits. However, I need to step back to again to 2003, the year my fascination began with the various spirits of Japan. Sofia Coppola’s film, Lost in Translation has a special place in my heart, not just because of the coming-of-age story but also the coolness and beauty of Japan. Japan became a dream destination for me, I have always been intrigued by its cultures, but the film, along with its behind-the-scenes extras, offered a glimpse into a world that was exciting, especially with its clever commentary on Western perceptions of an Eastern country.

Saskia Havekes and perfumer Christophe Laudamiel (holding the Golden Pear for Grandiflora which won the Art and Olfaction award in 2022/Roku Gin and Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition. courtesy of the brand

I had also been quietly delving into whiskey, with an ‘e’, and the iconic line delivered by Bill Murray at the bar, “for relaxing times. Make it Suntory time,” stuck with me. Hibiki 17, Suntory’s whisky without an ‘e’ was the one that Bill Murray held, I’ve still yet to experience it but have acquired its Harmony counterpart, which is stunning. As an Irishman, admitting that Japanese whiskey is my favourite (and it truly is) feels like a bold confession. Personally, I enjoy the delicate and subtle flavours present in many of the Japanese whisky’s like Suntory’s Chita, with its fruits and airy soft floral notes.

Collage of behind the scenes & film still from Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation 2003 IMDB

So, when I discovered that Suntory had ventured into gin, I was eager to try it, and Roku quickly became my go to. I often gift it to friends, not just for its delicious taste but also for its stunning six-sided bottle, Roku translates to ‘six’ in English. Each side represents one of the six Japanese botanicals infused in the gin, with Sakura flowers beautifully etched into the glass. The flavour profile is beautiful, featuring a delicate balance of subtle spiciness and bright sweet floral notes, complemented by the gentle aromas of green tea and the delightful citrus of Yuzu. The finish reveals earthy and green tones, with the Sakura flower offering a light fruity sweetness that lingers as the gin evaporates from the palate, leaving behind a hint of peppery notes.

Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition beautifully captures the sensation of sipping Roku gin, allowing you to savour its effervescence and infused essence, capturing the feel of Roku Gin’s flavour profile, whist giving you that fleeting feel of the limited life the Sakura flower exists for. It feels as though Christophe has woven in elements of the Japanese Kõdõ tradition as well, an art form he is also a master of. As my nose delves into Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition, I am welcomed by soft whispers of cool green juniper that intertwine with the zesty brightness of yuzu, complemented by a subtle, sour woodiness from Hinoki. The perfume is refreshingly delicate, a term I find myself using frequently describing this, reflecting the gentle nature of the Sakura flower. The green notes of Sakura Bloom Edition provide a lovely earthy balance, gradually unfolding into a sweet, rosy, raspberry, cherry-like floral spirit that mirrors the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. This airy and elegant perfume captures the ethereal quality of the cherry blossoms, enhanced by a soft, watery waxiness that mimic their fragility as they move in a light breeze.

Images from Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition x Roku Gin launch courtesy of the brand.

As you breathe in deeply, the form of the Sakura flower begins to dissolve into a gentle, steam like incense smoke, reminiscent of a serene Japanese temple atmosphere. It’s in this moment the spirit of Kõdõ tradition is felt, inviting us to pause and meditate on the fleeting beauty of this elegant flower, letting us reflect on its delicate charm. The Hinoki wood’s subtle spices offers a hint of peppery incense warmth, allowing its tangy citrus notes to blend seamlessly into the florals and spices letting us be part of the age-old Japanese practice of listening to the incense smoke and crafting poetry inspired by it. I also rather love beautiful effect that this cherry blossom has in a cycle of blooming then slowly effervescing, gradually fading into a light, airy smokiness that invites you back for another sip, much like returning to a refreshing glass of gin. The coolness of the airy steam incense smoke also conjures the sensation of ice in your drink, as you sit in quiet contemplation, enveloped in a soft, mineralic shimmer.

The gentle woody and spicy dry down, combined with the translucent sweetness of cherry blossom florals, beautifully captures the mouth feel and taste of Roku Gin, offering a smooth experience with a hint of leafy earthiness and warming spices that feel both refreshing and introspective whilst also being a perfume. Christophe has composed Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition beautifully, like very elegant deft strokes of delicate washes reminding me of Japanese watercolours. Sakura Bloom Edition not only captures the essence of enjoying Roku Gin and the brief yet graceful life of the cherry blossom but also pays tribute to Japanese culture. This light, unobtrusive perfume creates a gentle aura around you, fostering a serene space for contemplation. Its a beautiful and evocative  perfume.

Notes: Juniper, yuzu, Hinoki leaf, crisp bright air accords, sweet velvety cherry blossom, spices.

Disclosure: Samples of Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition were sent to J for review, thoughts and nose are his own.

J Wearescentient, Senior Editor, artist & olfactive writer.

Courtesy of Grandiflora

Thanks to the generosity of Grandiflora, we have a bottle of Grandiflora Sakura Bloom Edition for a registered reader in the USA, Canada, EU, UK or Australia. This is a  VERY limited edition and not widely available. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment about J’s review, your favourite gin or Grandiflora fragrance and where you live . Draw closes 10/24/2024

Please see Grandiflora Fragrances stockists here.

If you live in the USA, we recommend you visit Luckyscent.com, Scent Bar NYC and LA as they are currently the only USA stockists.

Grandiflora Saskia was a winner of The Art and Olfaction Award/Independent Category 2022 and was composed by Christophe Laudamiel and Ugo Charron

You can read J’s review of Magnolia Grandiflora Sandrine here

Then please read former Managing Editor Mark Behnke’s review of Grandiflora Michel and Sandrine. Former Contributor Clayton Ilolahia’s reviews of Saskia, his review of Boronia and Queen of the Night (Bertrand Duchaufour) and Madagascan Jasmine(Michel Roudnitska.)

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