三郎丸 V THE HIEROPHANT Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Saburomaru Distillery in Toyama Prefecture has become one of the most prominent Japanese whisky distilleries in recent years. When it announced its reopening in 2017, the market response wasn't particularly enthusiastic. However, over the years, Saburomaru's whiskies have begun to impress whisky enthusiasts, attracting a growing following. Some of Saburomaru's single cask whiskies, aged only four or five years, are even considered by many whisky lovers to be comparable in quality to 30-year-old Islay whiskies, causing their resale prices to exceed 10,000 yen – a rather exaggerated figure…
Saburomaru's regular releases are named after tarot cards. This time, we're introducing its sixth release, "THE HIEROPHANT," made with 50ppm Islay peated malt, fermented with Ale brewer's yeast and whisky yeast, distilled in 2021, and bottled in 2024. With only three years of aging, one might expect a strong young whisky character? Let's see how Japanese craftsmanship defies this "common sense."
The aroma is of green apple, citrus, and honey, with a distinctly smoky and salty finish. The alcohol content is very low, and the aroma is pleasantly smooth. Medium-bodied, it offers malty sweetness and a slight citrus acidity on the palate, followed by a mild saltiness. The finish is a full-bodied tropical fruit and ash-peaty character. Although labeled "Heavily Peated," the balance of peat with other flavors is excellent, and the low body makes it a very approachable peaty whisky.
Yamazaki Distillery has released an interesting Japanese whisky, echoing the recent trend of producers shifting towards non-aged whiskies. This whisky is distinctly different. Suntory's Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve blends malts of different ages and cask types, from pre-red wine casks matured for approximately three years, sherry malts aged for approximately 20 years, and Mizunara casks, also known as Japanese oak casks, used for a twelve-year period.
Amber-gold appearance. Understated and pure, with aromas of vanilla, cocoa powder, malt, and honey cereal; there's also a hint of fruitcake. A well-air-exposed stewed pear. Medium-dry, freshly delivered, it offers spicy orchard fruit, vanilla, and juicy malt flavors. Finishes juicy and fruity. The aftertaste is almost floral. I love the texture. A perfect harmony of flavor and texture.