Released simultaneously with “Saburomaru Ryuko ~DOUBLE DISTILLERY~ SABUROMARU×KANOSUKE”!
With Kanosuke’s mellow body as the foundation, the harmony with Saburomaru’s sharp, peaty notes creates a masterpiece that takes Japanese craft whisky to the next level!
We are pleased to launch the “Kanosuke Collaboration Series,” which explores new flavor possibilities through the exchange of raw spirits with distilleries both in Japan and abroad.
As the first release in this series, we are launching
“01 KANOSUKE×SABUROMARU.”
The theme of this product is “Mellow Meets Peated.” Rather than pushing bold peat to the forefront, the sea-breeze-infused peat and gentle smoke harmonize with KANOSUKE’s signature mellow, fruity character.
We invite you to enjoy this special flavor, born from the convergence of the technical expertise and sensibilities of both distilleries.
Both Kanosuke Distillery and Saburomaru Distillery are based on Japan’s long history of sake brewing. Having begun full-scale whisky production in 2017, they are contemporaries poised to lead the next generation of Japanese whisky.
We believe that this initiative, which combines our respective individualities, will not only create new value but also contribute to the development and sustainability of the Japanese whisky industry as a whole.
This Blended Malt Japanese Whisky will be released simultaneously with “Saburomaru Ryuko ~DOUBLE DISTILLERY~ SABUROMARU×KANOSUKE,” which will be released by Saburomaru Distillery.
1. Kanosuke Collaboration Series 01: KANOSUKE × SABUROMARU
A collaboration with Saburomaru Distillery (Toyama Prefecture) based on the product concept “Mellow meets Peated.”
Released by KANOSUKE, this product features KANOSUKE’s soft and mellow character as its foundation, layered with the powerful and deep peated aroma of Saburomaru Distillery.[TASTING NOTE]
Peat with a hint of sea breeze, harmonizing with mellow fruitinessCOLOR: Gold
AROMA: Sea breeze, grapefruit, caramel, lychee, green apple, and the scent of an oak bonfire
PALATE: Honey, nutmeg, kumquat, vanilla, passion fruit, black pepper, iodine notes
FINISH: Citrus and tropical fruits with a briny, iodine-like note reminiscent of sea breeze, followed by a pleasant, lingering hint of peaty smokeVolume: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Suggested Retail Price: 22,000 yen (tax included)
Available at: Kanosuke Distillery SHOP, Official Online Shop (lottery sales), and select liquor stores nationwide
2. Master Blender’s Comments
Yoshitsugu Komasa, Representative, Founder, and Master Blender of Kanosuke Distillery
The character of peated spirit varies greatly depending on the distillery’s environment and facilities, as well as the conditions of fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
KANOSUKE’s peat is characterized by a somewhat soft impression that leans toward sweetness.
In contrast, the peat from the Saburomaru Distillery has a distinct profile, combining strength with depth.
It is precisely because of these contrasting personalities that this blend brings out the charm of each in a more multidimensional way.
I truly feel that the interplay between the mellow character of the spirit and the backbone of the peat has allowed us to express a new balance that could not have been achieved by either alone.
Takahiko Inagaki, President and CEO of Wakatsuru Shuzo Co., Ltd. / Master Blender at Saburomaru Distillery
The term “Ryuko” evokes an image of two outstanding entities—two powerful forces—standing side by side.
For this collaboration, in which we exchanged unblended spirits with Kanosuke Distillery and released our respective whiskys, we chose this term as a name that represents the distinct personalities of both distilleries.
How do we convey the distinct character of each distillery?
I believe the significance of this project lies in exploring what new flavors emerge when we blend each other’s unblended spirits.
“Ryuko” features a well-rounded finish, built upon Saburomaru’s signature smokiness and enhanced by KANOSUKE’s mellow sweetness.
We believe we have created a product where both distilleries’ distinct personalities shine through while harmoniously blending together.
3. Lottery Sale
・Lottery Application Period: Thursday, June 11, 1:00 PM – Wednesday, June 17, 11:59 PM
・Winners Announced: Friday, June 19
・Purchase Deadline: By 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 25
・Product Shipping: Early July
Application Form
4. Distillery Information
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
