Tonami, Toyama Prefecture — In the world of epic sagas, legacy is built upon strategy, patience, and a bold vision for the future. So too in the world of fine whisky.
The highly anticipated Saburomaru Distillery Three Kingdoms whisky collaboration returns in 2026 —a masterful union of Japan’s historic distillery and the legendary game franchise. Saburomaru Distillery has once again joined forces with KOEI TECMO Games for a second collaboration centered around Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE, with multiple single malt releases slated throughout the year.
This Saburomaru Three Kingdoms whisky partnership is more than a simple pairing of brands; it is a dialogue between two profound forms of Japanese craftsmanship—one digital, one distilled. Following a highly successful first venture, this new chapter promises to delve even deeper, bottling the very essence of the Three Kingdoms’ most iconic warriors within the complex spirit of Hokuriku’s oldest whisky sanctum.
Saburomaru Distillery Three Kingdoms: A Union of Legends and Liquid Craft
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms series is a sprawling digital epic, a world built on the legendary tales of loyalty, ambition, and strategy that defined an era. The upcoming REMAKE elevates this experience, expanding its roster to over 1,000 warriors and deepening the intricate human dramas that have captivated fans for decades.
It is this depth of character—this attention to nuance and legacy—that provides a rich palette for Saburomaru’s master distillers.
For Saburomaru Distillery shares a parallel narrative. Founded in 1952 as part of the Wakatsuru Shuzo family—itself established in 1862 during the Bunkyū era—the distillery has honored tradition while boldly charting new territory. Under the visionary leadership of fifth-generation President Takahiko Inagaki, who undertook a comprehensive renovation in 2017, Saburomaru has garnered international acclaim, earning prestigious awards at the World Whisky Awards and establishing itself as a vanguard of Japan’s craft whisky renaissance.
The distillery’s commitment to terroir extends to ZEMON, the world’s first cast copper pot still—a fusion of ancient Takaoka copperware techniques and modern distillation science. In creating this revolutionary still, Saburomaru demonstrated that true innovation honors the past while fearlessly embracing the future, much like the strategic brilliance required to unite the Three Kingdoms. This same philosophy guides their use of local Mizunara oak and Toyama’s natural resources, ensuring that every bottle tells a story that could only originate from this land.
The 2026 Releases: Warriors in Waiting
While the specific warriors to be immortalized in liquid form for the Saburomaru Distillery Three Kingdoms release remain shrouded in anticipation, the collaboration promises multiple single malt releases throughout 2026. Each expression from the Saburomaru Distillery Three Kingdoms series will be carefully crafted to reflect the character, spirit, and legacy of legendary figures from the Three Kingdoms era.
Will we see a powerful, heavily peated single malt embodying the fierce spirit of a great general? Or perhaps a delicate, Mizunara-aged expression reflecting the wisdom and patience of a master strategist? The possibilities are as vast as the game’s expanded roster of 1,000 warriors.
Details regarding specific releases, character pairings, pricing, and availability will be announced through a dedicated special website and official social media channels in the coming months.
About Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE represents KOEI TECMO Games’ first major remake in their celebrated historical simulation series. Based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII with Power-Up Kit, this reimagining introduces:
- Unprecedented Scale: Character roster expanded from approximately 600 to 1,000 warriors
- Multifaceted Gameplay: Experience the Three Kingdoms era from various perspectives—as rulers, governors, or independent warriors
- Visual Revolution: New visual presentations and animated event cinematics bring the era’s drama to life
- Deepened Narratives: Enriched human relationships and dramatic storylines between legendary figures
The game’s “Maximum Warriors × Maximum Scenarios” philosophy, combined with revamped battle systems and enhanced storytelling, creates the most comprehensive and immersive Three Kingdoms experience in the franchise’s storied history.
Additionally, KOEI TECMO Games has released new information about the Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE Power-Up Kit, further expanding this epic world.
Official Channels:
- Website: https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/sangokushi8-re/
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sangokushi_kt
- YouTube: KOEI TECMO Official Channel https://www.youtube.com/KOEITECMOofficial
About Saburomaru Distillery
The distillery’s modern renaissance began in 2017 under President Takahiko Inagaki’s leadership. Key innovations include:
- ZEMON Still (2019): The world’s first cast copper pot still, leveraging traditional Takaoka copperware craftsmanship
- Terroir-Driven Philosophy: Utilization of local Mizunara oak and regional resources
- Global Recognition: Multiple awards at international competitions including World Whisky Awards 2025
- Mission: Creating whiskies that can only be made in Toyama, sharing them with the world
Company Information:
- Name: Wakatsuru Shuzo Co., Ltd.
- Founded: 1862 (Bunkyū 2)
- Location: 208 Saburomaru, Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
- President & CEO: Takahiko Inagaki
- Websites:
- Corporate: https://www.wakatsuru.co.jp
- Distillery: https://www.wakatsuru.co.jp/saburomaru/
A Testament to Timeless Storytelling
This second collaboration between Saburomaru Distillery and Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE is a testament to the fact that the greatest stories—whether told through pixels or proof, in ancient scrolls or aged oak—transcend their medium. They become legend.
Fans of both the intricate world of the Three Kingdoms and the profound craft of Japanese whisky are encouraged to follow official channels as this epic Saburomaru Distillery Three Kingdoms saga unfolds throughout 2026. The convergence of strategic mastery, historical drama, and liquid artistry promises an experience that honors the past while boldly embracing the future.
Stay connected. The alliance has been forged. The legend awaits.
From Cask to Legend｜Saburomaru 0 THE FOOL – Rebirth After Fire