Good news for whisky lovers in Japan and for those curious about its profound world. From the Saburomaru Distillery in Toyama Prefecture, a special, limited-quantity highball can, “Saburomaru Distillery’s Super Smoky Highball,” will be released across Japan starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Japanese convenience stores, affectionately known as “konbini,” are treasure troves where you can find not only lunch boxes and snacks but also, on occasion, authentic alcoholic beverages like this one. This new product can be seen as a symbol of the fascinating convenience store culture.
What is the Limited Edition “Super Smoky Highball”?
This product is a “super” limited edition, an evolution of the already fan-favorite “Saburomaru Distillery’s Smoky Highball.”
To begin with, a “Highball” is an immensely popular drink in Japan made by mixing whisky with soda water. Its simplicity is what allows the character of the base whisky to truly stand out.
The most defining feature of this highball is its lavish use of a super heavily peated spirit with a phenomenal smokiness of “80 ppm.” “PPM” is a unit indicating the degree of peat smoking; the higher this number, the stronger the whisky’s unique, smoked aroma—its smoky flavor—becomes. A rating of 80 ppm is considered quite distinctive even among whiskies worldwide.
And yet, it’s not just about the smoke. The high level of technical skill at Saburomaru Distillery is evident in the exquisite balance they’ve achieved, making it an excellent pairing with food. Its rich aroma and pleasant, crisp finish will enhance the flavors of a wide range of dishes, from Japanese to Western cuisine.
Product Details
Product Name: Saburomaru Distillery’s Super Smoky Highball
Release Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Suggested Retail Price: 462 JPY (tax included)
Alcohol Content: 9%
Volume: 350ml
This is a limited-quantity item and will be discontinued once it sells out in stores. If you happen to see it, we recommend picking it up early.
Where to Buy
This special highball can be purchased at various stores across Japan.
For travelers, the most accessible options will likely be convenience stores such as Lawson and Daily Yamazaki.
It will also be available at high-quality supermarkets like Seijo Ishii and specialty liquor stores such as Yamaya and Liquor Mountain.
One point to note is that its availability at Seven-Eleven Japan is limited to the Hokuriku region, which includes Toyama Prefecture where the distillery is located, and the Niigata area. If you have the chance to visit those regions, it might be an interesting find.
Celebrating the Launch! A Deluxe Giveaway Campaign
To commemorate this launch, a giveaway campaign featuring unique and luxurious prizes will also be held. These are items that are sure to appeal to everyone, not just whisky fans.
To enter, simply fill out a brief survey via the entry form on the Special Campaign Page. Anyone aged 20 or over residing in Japan is eligible to participate.
Entry Period: From 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Prize Introduction
A. “Oi-Smoky” Atomizer (100 winners)
This is the most notable prize of the campaign. Incredibly, it’s the 80 ppm spirit itself—the same one used in the highball—packaged in a perfume-like atomizer. A single spritz into your highball allows you to enjoy an even smokier aroma, a truly playful and exquisite item. “Oi-Smoky” is a Japanese term meaning “to add more smokiness.” This is truly the ultimate way to enjoy it.
B. Saburomaru x Thermos Insulated Can Holder (100 winners)
An original insulated can holder created in collaboration with the world-famous Thermos brand. It will keep your highball can chilled, allowing you to savor it slowly.
C. YouTube “BLUES & BARRELS” A1 Size Poster (50 winners)
An original poster from the YouTube channel operated by Saburomaru Distillery. This is a must-have item for fans who want to immerse themselves in the distillery’s world.
Winners will be notified by the shipment of their prizes. The results are a surprise until they arrive.
It is a very interesting move for a Japanese craft whisky distillery to develop such a meticulously crafted product for a place as accessible as a convenience store. When you visit Japan, why not take the opportunity to experience a part of Japan’s whisky culture with this “Super Smoky Highball”?
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