Single Malt Saburomaru IV THE EMPEROR, the fifth in the Single Malt Saburomaru series, will be released by Saburomaru Distillery on June 27, 2024. Features, taste, and product information.
New products “Saburomaru IV (Force) THE EMPEROR” and “Saburomaru IV (Force) THE EMPEROR Cask Strength” have been released by Saburomaru Distillery.
This is the fifth in the series named after tarot cards. This time, it is released in the Major Arcana of the Tarot No. 4 THE EMPEROR.
It is composed of Highland peat, which is a counterpart to the Islay peat of III THE EMPRESS.
| Product name | Release Date | |
| 0: THE FOOL | Saburo Maru 0 THE FOOL | Nov. 12, 2020 |
| 1: THE MAGICIAN | Saburomaru I THE MAGICIAN | November 29, 2021 |
| 2: THE FEMALE POPE | Saburomaru II THE HIGH PRIESTESS | November 24, 2022 |
| 3: The Empress | Saburomaru III THE EMPRESS | November 24, 2023 |
| 4: THE EMPEROR | Saburomaru IV THE EMPEROR | June 27, 2024 |
1. Manufacturer
Wakatsuru Shuzo Co.
| Established | 1862 |
| Head office location | 208 Saburomaru, Tonami, Toyama 939-1308 |
| Owned distillery | Saburomaru Distillery |
2. What is Saburomaru distillery?
Saburomaru Distillery
| Location | 208, Saburomaru, Tonami, Toyama 939-1308 |
| Start of operation | 1953 (renovated in 2016) |
The only distillery in Hokuriku established in 1952.
It obtained a license to produce whisky in 1952 amidst the postwar rice shortage. Since then, they brew sake in winter and distill whisky during the rest of the year. They make 200 bottles of whisky a year. Plans are underway to make 300 bottles in the future.
Since the beginning, they have been focusing on smoky whisky, using Islay peated malt and recently peated malt from Toyama Prefecture. To preserve the natural flavor, no cooling filtration or coloring is used.
In 2018, we installed a state-of-the-art mash tun from Miyake Seisakusho.
In 2019, we collaborated with a local company, Oigo Seisakusho, to develop a cast pod still, “ZEMON”.
In 2020, one wooden fermentation tank was introduced.
The major difference from other distilleries is the use of theworld’s first cast pod still “ZEMON”.
There are three major features.
(1) The casting method enables molding by molds, which makes it possible to manufacture in a short period of time. Also, it is possible to provide sufficient wall thickness at a low cost, and thus a longer service life can be expected for the body.
(2) Free molding by the casting method allows for a variety of sake qualities. Also, by unitizing the parts, it is possible to replace only worn parts or expand the functions.
(3) Made of a copper-tin alloy containing about 90% copper and 8% tin. Tin is a high-grade metal that is traded at about three times the price of copper.
Tin has been used since ancient times to mellow the taste of sake and has been used in sake vessels and shochu coolers. ZEMON contributes to the production of high quality spirits through the dual effects of copper and tin.
Reference: Wakatsuru Shuzo official website
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For more information about Saburomaru Distillery, please see also here↓.
3. Photo of the bottle and the website where you can purchase it
Single Malt Saburomaru IV THE EMPEROR
Single Malt Saburoumaru IV THE EMPEROR
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4. Features of Single Malt Saburoumaru IV THE EMPEROR
A single line of smoke rising from the wilderness. Straighter and richer.
In 2020, the Saburomaru Distillery made two types of peat: the traditional inland peat from the Highlands and the sea peat from the island of Islay. The inland peat has a straighter and more powerful smokiness than the Islay peat, with dry, wood-burning dry nuances. The wooden vats introduced in this year enabled a diverse fermentation process using unique lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a combination of fruity and malty characteristics. Please check out the arrival point of Inland Pete, which has been continued from Saburomaru II.
Takahiko Inagaki, Saburomaru Distillery(Citation:) Wakatsuru Shuzo Official Online Shop: Me and ALC
4-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Sour fruits such as apple and pineapple, vanilla, heavy ashy smokiness |
| Taste | Savory sweetness like sweet chestnuts, apple-like acidity, vanilla, apricot |
| Aftertaste | Ashy smoke envelops the sweetness and acidity and lingers for a long time. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 48% |
| Distinction by alcohol | Single malt Japanese whisky |
| Cask type | Bourbon casks, etc. |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | 12,500 bottles |
| Suggested retail price | 15,400 yen (including tax) |
| Release date | June 27, 2024 |
5. Awards
No awards received at this time.
6. List price and online price
6-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product name | Single Malt Saburomaru IV THE EMPEROR |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 15,400 yen (including tax) |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is around 19,000 to 20,000 yen. (*As of July 4, 2024)
6-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
No bids have been confirmed for this item on Yahoo! Auctions at this time. The lowest bid was confirmed at 17,000 yen. (*As of July 4, 2024)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
It is also available at mail order sites for around 19,800 yen. (*As of July 4, 2024)
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6-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, we offer one glass at 45ml: 4,290 yen, 30ml: 2,860 yen, 15ml: 1,430 yen.
7. Summary
The recent Saburomaru Distillery event, PEAT EMOTION, held in Tokyo, was well received and covered by various news sites. There was an explanation of why the single malt Saburomaru series are tarot cards and the differences between the previous products. The products are made with Highland peat, as opposed to Islay peat in III, this time using the raw materials made in refurbished or newly introduced facilities. The difference between III and IV is almost only in the peat. Other than that, the composition and the timing of the cuts are the same, but the flavors are quite different. Saburomaru fans are welcome to compare the two products.
■Please check out other articles about “Saburomaru Distillery” as well.
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