A new product will be released on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from Wakatsuru Shuzo in Toyama Prefecture.
This product is the first collaboration between two Japanese craft distilleries, Saburomaru Distillery and Nagahama Distillery.
1. Japan’s first commercialization of raw spirits through exchange
In Scotland, the home of whisky, there has long been a custom of exchanging raw spirits with distilleries other than their own, and developing products by blending raw spirits of various flavors and tastes, but in the Japanese whisky industry, there has been no exchange of raw spirits between distilleries until now.
Since 2016, the number of craft whisky distilleries in Japan has rapidly increased, and each distillery is making whisky with its own particularities and characteristics. The new products created from the exchange of raw spirits between distilleries may bring new discoveries, realizations, and even unexpected miracles. Without a doubt, I think this is something that is necessary for the development of the whisky industry in Japan.
2. Saburomaru Distillery’s thinking way of raw spirits exchange
One of the reasons behind the commercialization of the product was the establishment of the “Standards for the Labeling of Japanese Whisky in Whisky” by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association. Although many small-scale distilleries have sprung up in recent years, the number of distilleries in the Japanese whisky industry is still small compared to its roots in Scotland. Furthermore, there is no tradition of raw material exchange, which limits the variety of raw materials that can be used, and many other issues exist. In order to comply with the standards and to maintain the diversity of Japanese whisky and to develop the industry as a whole, Saburomaru Distillery is proposing that distilleries exchange raw spirits with each other. (“Saburoumaru Distillery’s Policy and Proposal for Japanese Whisky Standards”) This product is the first whisky produced by the exchange of raw spirits between craft whisky distilleries in Japan, and is positioned as the first step in bringing diversity to Japanese whisky. (Quoted from: Saburomaru Distillery & Nagahama Distillery – Launch of “Far East of Peat”, the first collaboration between Japanese craft distilleries – What’s New – Wakatsuru Brewery Co.)
(Image source: Saburomaru Distillery & Nagahama Distillery – First Collaboration between Japanese Craft Distilleries – “FAR EAST OF PEAT” Release – What’s New – Wakatsuru Brewery Co.)
This blend started with a visit to each other’s distilleries to select the raw materials.
On the left in the photo is Mr. Takahiko Inagaki, manager and blender at Saburomaru Distillery, and on the right is Yusuke Yaku, blender at Nagahama Distillery.
3. Details of the products to be released
This time, two products from Saburomaru Distillery and two products from Nagahama Distillery will be released. Here, we will introduce two products from Saburomaru Distillery.
One is “FAR EAST OF PEAT FIRST BATCH Blended Malt Japanese Whisky,” which uses only Japanese raw materials, and the other is “FAR EAST OF PEAT SECOND BATCH Blended Malt Whisky,” which is blended with imported raw materials from overseas.
（１）FAR EAST OF PEAT FIRST BATCH Blended Malt Japanese Whisky
Product Concept : The first collaboration between Japanese craft distilleries, Sabromaru Distillery and Nagahama Distillery.
Saburomaru Distillery’s Heavy Peated Malt distilled in 2017 and Nagahama Distillery’s Lightly Peated Malt aged in Ira Quarter Cask were selected and blended by Saburomaru Distillery blender Takahiko Inagaki.
| Product Name | FAR EAST OF PEAT FIRST BATCH Blended Malt Japanese Whisky |
|---|---|
| Classification | Blended Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Cask Type (raw spirits) | Heavy peated malt from Saburomaru Distillery Lightly peated malt aged in Ira quarter cask at Nagahama distillery |
| Quantity | 700 bottles |
| Alcohol content | 50％ |
| Price | Suggested retail price 15,000 yen (excluding tax) |
| Manufacturer Distillery | Saburomaru Distillery |
| Sales area | “Wakatsuru Reiwagura,” online store “Me and ALC.” lottery sales, etc. |
（２）FAR EAST OF PEAT SECOND BATCH Blended Malt Whisky
Product Concept : A blend of only malt raw materials with Saburomaru malt and Nagahama malt as key malts.
A blend of heavy peated malt from Saburomaru Distillery distilled in 2017, lightly peated malt from Nagahama Distillery aged in Ira Quarter Cask, and Scotch malt. We aimed to create a gorgeous, multi-layered taste using only malt raw materials.
| Product Name | FAR EAST OF PEAT SECOND BATCH Blended Malt Whisky |
|---|---|
| Classification | Blended Malt Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Cask Type (raw spirits) | Heavy peated malt from Saburomaru Distillery |
| Quantity | 5000 bottles |
| Alcohol content | 50％ |
| Price | Suggested retail price 5,900 yen (excluding tax) |
| Manufacturer Distillery | Saburomaru Distillery |
| Sales area | Japan |
4. Lottery Sales
A limited number of “FIRST BATCH” will be sold by lottery at the Wakatsuru Sake Brewery online store “Me and ALC. Information on how to apply will be posted on the “Me and ALC.” members’ mail magazine, the Wakatsuru Brewery website, and SNS.
| Application period | March 8, 2021 12:30 – Sunday, March 14, 2021 23:59 |
| Winners will be announced | Wednesday, March 17, 2021 |
5. Other products of Saburomaru Distillery
At the Saburomaru Distillery, we sell “Sunshine Whisky,” which is made from “heavy peated malt” that we have been distilling ourselves for a long time. It is characterized by its smoky and mild taste.
The only whisky distillery in Hokuriku produces craft highballs. It has a smoky aroma and a dry mouthfeel, and is the result of a careful selection process to create an authentic highball that has never existed before
For new products to be released from Nagahama Distillery, please see this article.
