Wakatsuru Saburomaru Saburomaru Gyokuto

Saburomaru Gyokuto is a continuing line within the Wakatsuru Shuzo portfolio, and this 2023 Japanese domestic edition is a no age statement blend bottled at 46%. While the 2022 Gyokuto was a Mizunara-matured blended malt, this release carries a different style designation and cask specification, matured in Ex-Bourbon oak, and represents the more accessible, everyday expression of the Gyokuto name.

Ex-Bourbon maturation gives the expected vanilla and light caramel base, and the Saburomaru peat lineage typically contributes a background smoke note even in blended expressions. The component makeup of this blend is not fully disclosed beyond Wakatsuru's own production, so the provenance is best described in terms of what is known: Toyama-based, Ex-Bourbon matured, and bottled at 46% for the Japanese market. The Gyokuto name here anchors a more approachable entry into the Saburomaru range.