Introduction
It was curiosity more than expectation that led me to open this bottle of Saburomaru 2020/2021, particularly the Abyss edition bottled by WhiskyShine. Japanese distilleries making heavily peated whisky aren’t the norm, and Saburomaru’s experimental style has caught my attention more than once. I’ve tried a few of their small batch expressions in the past, and each one leaned heavily into individuality. So with that in mind, I went into this bottle with an open mind and a clean palate.
Nose
Right out of the glass, the aroma was intense and hard to miss. A dense, gritty smoke hits first—campfire style peat rather than coastal or medicinal. It’s earthy, dry, and takes a while to reveal anything beneath. After a moment, there’s a savory edge—something like barbecued meat, then hints of sandalwood and cloves. I also picked up a touch of dark chocolate and dusty leather. It doesn’t feel overly sweet or bright; more grounded and brooding. There’s complexity, but it lives under a veil of thick smoke.
Palate
The first sip was punchy and oily, coating rather than slicing. Peat dominates at the start but quickly gives way to layers of black pepper, mineral-rich earth, and burnt caramel. There’s something slightly metallic in the background—perhaps a byproduct of the distillation style or young age—but it’s not off-putting. There are sherry influences here too: dark cherry and a bit of molasses. The wood spice builds gradually, and there’s a gritty, almost rustic quality that makes it feel deliberately rough around the edges.
Finish
The finish stays with you for quite a while, driven mostly by smoke and spice. I noticed a persistent oak char, mixed with dried herbs and a light bitterness. It fades slowly into leather and earthy peat. Not overly complex in its aftertaste, but consistent with what came before. No sweetness lingers here—this is dry and ash-focused all the way through, and it leans toward savory more than sweet.
Price and Value
Given the limited edition status and small-scale production, the price sits above most standard Japanese releases, especially for such a young whisky. That said, this bottle isn’t trying to be smooth or mainstream—it’s very specific in style and will appeal most to those who enjoy assertive, peaty drams. If that sounds like your preference, I think it earns its place on the shelf. If not, it could feel like an expensive experiment.
Background
The Saburomaru distillery is located in Toyama Prefecture and has been producing whisky in small volumes for decades, though it’s only in the last few years that they've gained recognition outside Japan. They’re one of the few Japanese distilleries working seriously with peated malt. This bottling—Abyss—was released through WhiskyShine and distilled in 2020, bottled in 2021 at cask strength.
Matured in a combination of sherry and ex-bourbon casks and bottled at natural colour without chill filtration, it reflects the distillery’s move toward craft-first production. Saburomaru uses wooden washbacks and copper stills made in collaboration with Kurobe Steel Works—another nod to their unique approach. You can read more about their methods on the Saburomaru Distillery website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? If I were in the mood for something rugged and smoky, I’d say yes. It’s definitely not an everyday dram for me, but it reminds me there's still room for boldness in Japanese whisky.
If you're new to whisky, I wouldn’t start here—this one is far too aggressive. But for those familiar with heavily peated expressions from elsewhere, it offers a fresh perspective, especially considering its Japanese origin.
What kind of setting does this whisky suit? I found it more fitting for late evenings or colder days, where its strong peat and earthy depth feel most at home.
Compared to Islay standards, it lacks maritime influence or medicinal peat, but gives off its own smoky identity. It doesn’t aim to copy anyone—it’s a genuinely different experience.