Review: On the Rocks Japanese Cocktails – Yuzu Matcha Martini and Japanese Boulevardier

On The Rocks bottled cocktails recently dropped two additional expressions in collaboration with Suntory. Known as The Harmony Collection, these are limited edition RTD cocktails with an Asian twist — both including Suntory products as the primary spirit — created by bartender and proprietor of Tokyo’s iconic Bar High Five Hidetsugu Ueno.

Curious? Let’s give them both a try.

On the Rocks Yuzu Matcha Martini Review

Made with Haku vodka and yuzu liqueur and green tea. A delightful shade of chartreuse, this concoction leans into that lemony yuzu right away. The citrus isn’t subtle, brisk with peel and a little pith, sweetened up with simple syrup — not unlike a lemon drop. The back end showcases a little generalized booziness, though it’s not harsh — making me wonder what this would have been like with gin instead of vodka. Green tea notes are present but very subtle, an herbal afterthought that’s washed out by a finishing reprise of tart yuzu. Enjoyable, if ultimately a little simplistic. 40 proof. B+ 

On the Rocks Japanese Boulevardier Review

A very unorthodox version of a boulevardier made with Suntory Toki, Port wine, and unstated bitter liqueur. Port, you say? In lieu of sweet vermouth, the concept works — well enough that I think I’ll start experimenting with this recipe for myself at home with standard boulevardiers. Heavy on the raisins, with a chocolate bent, the Port does the heavy lifting here, and perhaps the recipe is a bit heavy on the stuff. On the other hand, I could definitely use more in the way of Campari (or whatever is subbing for it here) to offset the sweetness of the Port. If there’s a weak link here, it’s the use of the very light Toki to serve as the backbone of the cocktail. It doesn’t have the gravity to anchor a boulevardier, and it ultimately gets lost in the shuffle, providing a vague oakiness to what is otherwise a fruity, rather juicy concoction. Easy-drinking, but not entirely what I was expecting. 65 proof. B+

$30 for a two-pack of both bottles, 375ml each

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