Wakatsuru Sake Brewing / Saburomaru Distillery will release its first collaboration bottle with Kanosuke Distillery in Hioki, Kagoshima, titled 'Saburomaru Ryuko -DOUBLE DISTILLERY- SABUROMARU x KANOSUKE' on June 18, 2026, in limited quantities. This unique expression showcases the potential and diversity of Japanese craft whisky through a cask exchange between Saburomaru, with roots in sake brewing, and Kanosuke, rooted in shochu production, both of which began full-scale whisky production in 2017.
Background of the Collaboration Saburomaru is known for its rare, heavily peated style, establishing a strong presence with its smoky character. Meanwhile, Kanosuke creates whiskies characterized by a mellow, rich flavor nurtured in a warm climate with sea breezes.
Saburomaru was founded as a sake brewery in 1862, and Kanosuke as a shochu distillery in 1883. In 2017, fifth-generation president Takahiko Inagaki revitalized Saburomaru, while fourth-generation president Yoshitsugu Komasa began a new challenge in whisky production at Kanosuke. Their collaboration aims to create whiskies with distinct personalities that can compete on the world stage.
The New Saburomaru 'Ryuko' Double Distillery Series 'Saburomaru Ryuko' is the first release in a new series focused on the global market. The label features a dragon and a tiger, traditionally depicted on separate folding screens, brought together in a single artwork to symbolize the fusion of two unique values.
Product Overview The whisky is a blend of Saburomaru's heavily peated malt, aged in bourbon and roasted casks, balanced with Kanosuke's non-peated, bourbon-aged malt.
Product Name: Saburomaru Ryuko -DOUBLE DISTILLERY- SABUROMARU x KANOSUKE Category: Blended Malt Japanese Whisky Alcohol Content: 50% Volume: 700ml Suggested Retail Price: 22,000 yen (including tax) Release Date: June 18, 2026
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product