Saburomaru V The Hierophant

Produced by Saburomaru Distillery in Tonami, Toyama Prefecture, Saburomaru V The Hierophant is a heavily peated Japanese single malt distilled in 2021 and bottled in 2024 at 48% ABV. The sixth release in Saburomaru’s tarot-themed series, it combines mature ale yeast with fresh whisky yeast to create a fuller, rounded spirit. Despite its heavy peat, the whisky is notably balanced, combining maritime smoke with seaweed, gentle malt sweetness, pear, lemon peel and subtle menthol.

Food Pairing: Smoked salmon, grilled beef, cured ham, aged cheese, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate with sea salt.

Tasting Notes: Heavily peated yet balanced, combining maritime smoke and seaweed with gentle malt sweetness, citrus, pear, subtle menthol and savoury notes.

Nose: Elegant smoke opens with seaweed and coastal character, followed by straw, gentle oak, pear, menthol and subtle cured ham.

Palate: Soft and balanced, developing seaweed and salted coastal notes alongside sweet malt, lemon peel, pear, black tea candy and subtle savoury character.

Finish: Lingering and harmonious, with gentle peat smoke, ash, sweet malt and restrained fruit character.

Serve: Enjoy neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whisky glass; a few drops of water can help reveal additional fruit, malt and maritime character beneath the peat.