Saburomaru VI The Lovers - 2021/2025 - Islay & Highland Peated

Profile: Saburomaru VI The Lovers - 2021/2025 - Islay & Highland Peated at a glance

• Japanese origin: This whisky comes from Saburomaru Distillery in Toyama Prefecture and combines Japanese craftsmanship with distinctive peated character.
• Peated blend: The edition brings together distillates made with Islay and Highland peat for a smoky style with its own identity.
• Original bottling: As an official distillery release, it presents the house style in a direct and unfiltered way, with no added colouring.
• Clear maturation story: Distilled in 2021 and bottled in 2025, it reflects a modern Japanese whisky approach with noticeable development.
• Confident strength: At 48.0% ABV, it offers good presence and aromatic depth while remaining approachable.

Portrait: What defines Saburomaru VI The Lovers - 2021/2025 - Islay & Highland Peated

Saburomaru Distillery has long been known in Japan for its distinctive approach to smoky whisky. With Saburomaru VI The Lovers, that style meets an especially interesting concept: Islay- and Highland-peated distillates are combined to create an expression that does not simply showcase smoke, but explores it in different dimensions. The result is not a gimmicky dram, but a carefully composed single malt with a clear sense of purpose.

The appeal lies in the contrast between the two peat styles. Islay often evokes maritime, salty and intensely smoky impressions, while Highland peat can bring a more earthy, warm and spicy tone. In Saburomaru’s hands, this becomes a whisky with depth, structure and a refined smoky profile that still feels distinctive and modern.

As an original bottling without added colouring, it comes across as authentic and straightforward. It will appeal to whisky drinkers who want peat to show complexity rather than just intensity. The Lovers brings together Japanese precision, a spirit of experimentation and a clearly defined flavour profile.

Tasting Notes: What Saburomaru VI The Lovers - 2021/2025 - Islay & Highland Peated tastes like

• Nose: Smoky notes come forward first, followed by roasted nuts, vanilla and a savoury touch reminiscent of barbecue.
• Palate: The whisky feels both creamy and powerful, with smoke, honey sweetness and vanilla joined by a subtle hint of smoked cheese.
• Finish: The finish stays on the palate for a long time, with lingering smoke and a fine salty edge that rounds things off.