Saburomaru III The Empress Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Saburomaru III “The Empress” Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a bold and innovative Japanese whisky release from the historic Saburomaru Distillery in Toyama Prefecture. Distilled in 2020 and bottled in 2023 at a powerful 60% ABV, this expression forms part of the acclaimed tarot-inspired Saburomaru series and represents the fourth release in the collection. Notably, “The Empress” is the first release in the series produced using Islay peated malt, showcasing Saburomaru’s signature smoky character with a distinctive Japanese interpretation.

Distillery: Saburomaru Distillery
Series: III The Empress Cask Strength
Style: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Vintage: 2020
Bottled: 2023
ABV: 60.0%
Outturn: 1800 Bottles

The Saburomaru tarot series takes inspiration from the Major Arcana tarot cards, with “The Empress” representing abundance, richness and harmony. The label artwork reflects the distillery’s philosophy of combining heavily peated whisky with traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Saburomaru is internationally recognised for producing intensely smoky Japanese whisky and for pioneering the world’s first cast copper pot still, known as “ZEMON,” developed specifically to enhance depth and character within the spirit.

Tasting Notes:
Elegant aromas of citrus, light floral notes, soft banana sweetness and gentle smoke lead into a palate of peat, berries, lemon zest and subtle coastal salinity. Layers of light grass, chalky minerality and smoky malt develop throughout, balanced by delicate sweetness and refined structure. The finish is long and consistent, carrying lingering peat smoke, light berries and soft maritime character with impressive complexity for its youthful age.