Saburomaru Gyokuto 2023 Edition (70cl, 46%)

Saburomaru Gyokuto 2023 Edition is a blended whisky from the Saburomaru distillery in Toyama, in a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV. Saburomaru malt is the key component, blended with imported whiskies such as Scotch grain whisky, which makes it a world blended whisky made in Japan. The key malts are one distilled in 2020 and matured in bourbon casks, and one distilled in 2017 and matured in sherry casks. French oak and domestic red wine casks add to the blend. Gyokuto is an old name for the moon, from the proverb of a rabbit living there, and the label shows a rabbit. The nose combines sherry, chocolate, honey, red wine and berries with a little smoke. The palate is strongly sherried and sweet, with acidity, umami and a rich body. The finish is dry.