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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.
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.
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:
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:
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 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.
A Japanese single malt with a peaty elegance and captivating richness, where the power of the Isle of Islay meets fruity sweetness for a tasting experience of rare complexity.
On the nose, an intense and vibrant peatiness: marine iodine and notes of new wood combine for a first impression of great depth.
On the palate, it is generously delicious: juicy pineapple, melting pear and the sweetness of vanilla unfold harmoniously, revealing the full richness of this whisky.
The elegant and persistent finish allows notes of peat, vanilla, and pepper to blossom, for a long and refined conclusion.
This single malt owes its unique character to a rigorous production process: powerful peat from the island of Islay (50 PPM), a long fermentation period of five days, including two days in fir vats to develop complex aromas, and double distillation in Zemon stills. The Empress embodies the perfect alliance between tradition and innovation, offering a tasting experience where peat and richness are balanced with rare elegance.
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Founded in 1971, the Club Trésors de Champagne is a very exclusive circle that brings together 25 of the region’s finest artisan winemakers. United by a love for their terroir, respect for traditional craftsmanship, and a vision for the future, these exceptional winemakers have been rigorously selected for the excellence of their work. Membership in the club is granted only upon sponsorship by one or more existing members.
For them, champagne is not just a celebratory drink; it is a unique story told through every bottle.
The “Spécial Club” cuvée
Being a member of this highly exclusiveclub allows winemakers to produce a unique, vintage-dated prestige cuvée: the Spécial Club. Recognized as the ultimate symbol of their expertise, this cuvée undergoes a rigorous process to ensure impeccable quality.
To earn this coveted “label,” each bottle must pass through rigorous stages:
