How Saburomaru Distillery’s “THE EMPEROR” captivated the global stage
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, lies the Hokuriku region’s oldest whisky distillery: Saburomaru. Licensed since 1952, this boutique distillery, with over 70 years of heritage, is currently commanding unprecedented acclaim from the global whisky elite.
The secret? A singular, revolutionary still.
Where Temple Bells Meet Whisky — “ZEMON,” the World’s First Cast Pot Still Traditionally, whisky pot stills are crafted through sheet-metal work—the hammering and shaping of copper plates—a centuries-old method revered globally.
Saburomaru, however, chose to transcend convention.
In the neighboring city of Takaoka, the traditional art of “Takaoka copperware” has flourished for over four centuries. Renowned for crafting bonshō (temple bells), their casting techniques are among the most exquisite in Japan. Harnessing this ancient mastery, Saburomaru unveiled a groundbreaking cast pot still in 2019, forged from a bespoke copper-tin alloy (roughly 90% copper and 8% tin). Christened “ZEMON,” it marked the dawn of the world’s first cast pot still.
This unique alloy masterfully binds and eliminates sulfur compounds, the culprits behind distillation off-notes. Consequently, even at robust alcohol strengths—where new make spirits risk harshness—the resulting liquid boasts an astonishingly velvety texture. Here, traditional Japanese craftsmanship did not merely elevate the whisky; it profoundly redefined its essence—an exclusive innovation born only in Toyama.
A Profile Worthy of the Name “Emperor” Since 2020, Saburomaru has unveiled single malts through its visionary “TAROT Series”—an ambitious collection inspired by the 22 Major Arcana cards, with each expression meticulously crafted to embody a distinct persona.
The fifth release proudly bears the title of Major Arcana No. 4: “THE EMPEROR.”
While its predecessor, “THE EMPRESS,” utilized maritime peat from Islay to impart supple, elegant nuances, “THE EMPEROR” commands attention with inland peat from Scotland’s Highlands. It presents a more direct, robust smokiness, evoking the warmth of roaring campfires and seasoned timber.
Enhancing this profound depth is the introduction of wooden washback fermentation in 2020. Distillery-native lactic acid bacteria—nurtured gracefully within wooden vessels rather than sterile stainless steel—harmonize a vibrant, orchard-fruit character and malt sweetness beneath the commanding smoke. Here, absolute power and refined delicacy beautifully coexist: a masterful, layered spirit that truly earns the title “Emperor.”
Unwavering Excellence, Proven on the Global Stage The TAROT Series continually proves that its brilliance is no mere coincidence, a fact resoundingly affirmed by prestigious international accolades.
The inaugural release, “THE FOOL,” was awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Both “THE MAGICIAN” and “THE HIGH PRIESTESS” secured Gold at London’s International Spirits Challenge (ISC), while “THE EMPRESS” captured Gold at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC).
Now, “THE EMPEROR” scales new heights: at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards (WWA), it was crowned Category Winner—the ultimate honor—in Small Batch Single Malt (Japan, 12 Years & Under). This unbroken lineage of triumphs serves as undeniable proof that Saburomaru’s artisanship has achieved a truly world-class, uncompromising standard.
A Grand Epic from a Boutique Distillery in Hokuriku The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, and Saburomaru’s TAROT Series is driven by the visionary pursuit of translating each into an exquisite whisky. “THE EMPEROR” marks only the fifth chapter in this unfolding saga. What captivating personas await the remaining 17? Connoisseurs worldwide watch with bated breath.
Forging a still with the ancient art of temple bell casting, and weaving a mystic tarot narrative from a boutique distillery amidst serene landscapes—what this Hokuriku gem reveals to the world is profound: in the realm of true craftsmanship, size yields to devotion.
Ultimately, an uncompromising philosophy reigns supreme. (Mr.Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the distillation techniques and cultural heritage of Saburomaru Distillery and the SABUROMARU IV THE EMPEROR brand, and does not aim to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับเทคนิคการกลั่นและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของ Saburomaru Distillery และแบรนด์ SABUROMARU IV THE EMPEROR เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ