Wakatsuru Distillery and Atlus Unveil Persona-Inspired Whisky Series
The Wakatsuru Distillery in Toyama has partnered with Atlus, a video game developer from Tokyo, to launch a range of whisky bottles inspired by the well-known Persona video game series.
Originating in 1996, the Persona video game series has since unveiled over 20 editions. The game lets players immerse themselves in the life of a character residing in a contemporary Japanese city, navigating the challenges of teenage existence.
The whisky is a creation of Saburomaru Distillery, the whisky branch of Wakatsuru Distillery. Its conception was led by master blender and manager Takahiko Inagaki, whose grandfather, Kotaro Inagaki, commenced whisky production at Saburomaru in the 1950s when a scarcity of rice affected Wakatsuru’s sake output.
Two collaborative whiskies have been introduced to the market so far. The Saburomaru x Persona Blended Whiskey is characterized as having a “smoky and rich flavour,” its label showcasing the primary characters from Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 The Golden, and Persona 5 The Royal. The price is ¥8,800 (roughly US$64).
The second whisky launched is the higher-end Single Cask Saburomaru P3P. The eye-catching label exhibits the character Orpheus from Persona 3 Portable. The single malt contained within was matured in a barrel for three years. Only 250 bottles are accessible, with a price tag of ¥21,978 (about US$160).
Further single cask varieties, inspired by Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal, are anticipated for release in August and September respectively.
