Saburomaru III The Empress Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Saburomaru III The Empress Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a bold and distinctive Japanese whisky release produced by the historic Saburomaru Distillery in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Part of the highly regarded “The World Blended Whisky” series, “The Empress” showcases Saburomaru’s signature heavily peated character combined with refined Japanese craftsmanship and innovative distillation techniques. Bottled in 2023 at robust cask strength, this release has become highly sought after among collectors and enthusiasts of modern Japanese whisky. 

Distillery: Saburomaru Distillery
Series: III The Empress
ABV: 48%
Bottled: 2023 
Age: 3 Years Old
Outturn: 12,000 Bottles

Saburomaru Distillery is one of Japan’s oldest whisky producers, originally founded in 1952 under Wakatsuru Shuzo, a company with sake brewing roots dating back to 1862. The “The Empress” label forms part of the distillery’s tarot-inspired series, with each release representing a symbolic card and reflecting a unique whisky profile. The series has gained international recognition for combining traditional Japanese whisky production with heavily peated spirit, a style rarely associated with Japan until recent years. 

Tasting Notes:
Rich peat smoke and coastal salinity open on the nose alongside notes of smoked barley, dark honey and charred oak. The palate delivers layers of earthy smoke, black pepper, roasted nuts and citrus zest balanced by subtle sweetness and herbal complexity. A long and warming finish carries lingering peat embers, spice and maritime character, showcasing the powerful and distinctive style that has made Saburomaru one of Japan’s most exciting modern distilleries.