Nestled in Toyama Prefecture, in the heart of the Hokuriku region, Saburomaru is much more than a distillery: it is a symbol of resilience and innovation, where the tradition of sake and shochu meets the boldness of peated whiskey. Founded in 1952 by Wakatsuru Shuzo (a brewery established in 1862), Saburomaru is the region's first whisky distillery and one of the few in Japan to specialize in smoky, powerful whiskies, thanks to its ZEMON stills, inspired by Buddhist temple bells. With expressions such as Far East of Peat and Saburomaru V THE HIEROPHANT, the distillery has built an international reputation, winning gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards and appealing to lovers of full-bodied and complex whiskies.
A story of rebirth and daring
Saburomaru's adventure began in 1952, when Wakatsuru Shuzo, then specializing in sake and shochu, obtained a license to produce whiskey. However, the distillery experienced ups and downs: after a devastating fire in the 1990s, it temporarily ceased production, before being reborn in 2017 with a completely renovated facility and ZEMON stills, designed by a local foundry specializing in temple bells.
Today, Saburomaru is run by Takahiko Inagaki, a bold master blender who is not afraid to experiment with ancient yeasts, innovative casks, and peated malts to create unique and powerful whiskeys. The distillery is also known for its commitment to sustainability and local culture, using water from the Shogawa River and barley grown in Toyama, for example.
Unique craftsmanship and production methods
Saburomaru stands out for its artisanal and experimental approach, where every detail is designed to enhance the smoky, fruity, and spicy aromas of its whiskeys.
ZEMON stills: a global innovation
The distillery uses ZEMON stills, inspired by Buddhist temple bells and manufactured by a local foundry. These stills,... See more ...
A story of rebirth and daring
Saburomaru's adventure began in 1952, when Wakatsuru Shuzo, then specializing in sake and shochu, obtained a license to produce whiskey. However, the distillery experienced ups and downs: after a devastating fire in the 1990s, it temporarily ceased production, before being reborn in 2017 with a completely renovated facility and ZEMON stills, designed by a local foundry specializing in temple bells.
Today, Saburomaru is run by Takahiko Inagaki, a bold master blender who is not afraid to experiment with ancient yeasts, innovative casks, and peated malts to create unique and powerful whiskeys. The distillery is also known for its commitment to sustainability and local culture, using water from the Shogawa River and barley grown in Toyama, for example.
Unique craftsmanship and production methods
Saburomaru stands out for its artisanal and experimental approach, where every detail is designed to enhance the smoky, fruity, and spicy aromas of its whiskeys.
ZEMON stills: a global innovation
The distillery uses ZEMON stills, inspired by Buddhist temple bells and manufactured by a local foundry. These stills, unique in the world, allow for precise distillation and concentration of peaty aromas, giving Saburomaru whiskies their powerful and smoky signature. The distillery is also the only one in Japan to produce 100% peated whiskies, with PPM (phenol) levels comparable to those of the most smoky Scotch whiskies.
Creative aging and a variety of casks
Saburomaru ages its whiskeys in a wide variety of casks:
- Bourbon barrels: For notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Sherry casks: Adding aromas of dried fruit and spices.
- Mizunara casks: For hints of sandalwood and coconut.
- Red wine casks: As in the limited edition Moon Glow, which won an award at the World Whiskies Awards.
The distillery also uses wooden fermenters, which promote the development of lactic acids and complex, fruity profiles.
A range of award-winning and iconic whiskies
Saburomaru offers several expressions, each reflecting its boldness and expertise:
- Saburomaru The Fool 0: The distillery's first single malt, aged in bourbon barrels, with notes of tropical fruit, honey, and light smoke.
- Saburomaru V THE HIEROPHANT: A peaty and powerful single malt, aged in sherry casks, with aromas of chocolate, nuts, and smoke. Awarded at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
- Far East of Peat: An ultra-peaty edition, aged in bourbon and sherry casks, with notes of tar, pepper, and dried fruit. A tribute to Scotch whiskies, but with a Japanese twist.
- Moon Glow Series: Blended whiskies aged in wine casks, awarded for their balance between smoothness and complexity.
A commitment to innovation and sustainability
Saburomaru is a pioneering distillery, using renewable energy and zero-waste production methods. It also collaborates with local artists and video game designers, such as for the Komada Distillery series, inspired by the world of the distillery.
- Saburomaru quickly won over experts and earned numerous awards, including:
- Gold Medal for Saburomaru V THE HIEROPHANT at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
- Recognized as one of the most innovative Japanese whiskies, praised for its ZEMON stills and unique peaty profiles.
- Awarded for its balance between tradition and modernity, notably at the International Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
What makes Saburomaru unique?
Saburomaru embodies the boldness and resilience of Japanese whisky: a blend of tradition, innovation, and passion for peat. With unique stills, smoky and complex whiskies, and a commitment to sustainability, the distillery offers unforgettable and powerful spirits. For whisky lovers in search of character and authenticity, Saburomaru is a must-visit destination, where each bottle tells a story of fire, resilience, and craftsmanship.
