Saburomaru IV The Emperor

Saburomaru IV The Emperor is a heavily peated Japanese single malt from Saburomaru Distillery in Tonami, Toyama Prefecture. Distilled in 2020 from Highland-peated malt at 50 PPM, it showcases a drier, more direct style of peat smoke than the distillery’s Islay-peated releases. Bottled in 2024 at 48% ABV, it balances powerful smoke and ash with ripe apple, pineapple, vanilla, apricot and sweet malt, supported by pronounced woody character.

Food Pairing: Smoked brisket, grilled beef, yakitori, aged cheese, roasted chestnuts, or dark chocolate with dried fruit and toasted nuts.

Tasting Notes: Heavily peated yet balanced, combining dry smoke and ash with ripe apple, pineapple, vanilla, apricot, sweet malt and robust oak.

Nose: Clear and aromatic, with ripe apple and pineapple followed by substantial smoke, vanilla, wood, fireplace ash, beeswax and subtle apricot.

Palate: Smooth and slightly oily, with sweet peat smoke and ash supporting ripe apple, vanilla, apricot and roasted chestnut character.

Finish: Powerful and persistent, with lingering ash, dry peat smoke, woody oak and gentle malt sweetness.

Serve: Enjoy neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped glass; a few drops of water can help reveal additional pineapple, apple, vanilla and malt beneath the Highland peat.