Saburoumaru Distillery of Wakatsuru Shuzo is known as the only distillery in Hokuriku. In winter, sake is brewed and Distilling whisky only during the summer In winter, sake is brewed and distilled.
The distillery is dedicated to producing smoky whisky and uses only peated malt, which is rare in Japan. The distillery uses only peated malt, a rarity in Japan, to produce its smoky whisky. To preserve the natural flavors of the whisky, it uses no chill-filtering or coloring.
1. Manufacturer
Wakatsuru Shuzo Co.
| Established | 1862 |
| Head office | 208 Saburoumaru, Tonami-shi, Toyama 939-1308, Japan |
| Owned distillery | Saburoumaru Distillery |
2. Distillery
Saburoumaru Distillery
| Location | 208 Sabroumaru, Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture 939-1308, Japan |
| Start of operation | 1953 (renovated in 2016) |
Founded in 1952, it is the only distillery in Hokuriku.
Amidst the post-war rice shortage, the distillery obtained a license to produce whisky in 1952. Since then, the distillery has been brewing sake in winter. Distilling whisky only during the summer In the winter, they brew sake. The distillery is dedicated to producing smoky whisky and uses only peated malt from England. It is characterized by the fact that it is not cooled, filtered, or colored at all in order to preserve its natural flavor.
The main difference from other distilleries is the world’s first cast pod still. ZEMON ZEMON, the world’s first cast pod still. 
There are three major features.
(1) The casting method makes it possible to mold the product using a mold, which enables manufacturing in a short period of time. (2) The casting method enables molding using molds, which allows for short delivery times, as well as low cost and sufficient wall thickness, which is expected to increase the service life of the body.
(2) Various liquor quality is realized by free molding by casting. In addition, it is possible to replace only worn-out parts or expand functions by unitizing each part.
(3) The product is made of a copper-tin alloy containing about 90% copper and 8% tin. (3) Made from a copper-tin alloy that contains 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 mellowing the taste of alcohol. It is said that tin is a high-grade metal that sells for about three times the price of copper, and has been used for liquor containers and shochu coolers. ZEMON contributes to the production of high quality spirits through the dual effects of copper and tin. to the production of high quality spirits. It has been used for sake vessels and shochu coolers.
Reference: Wakatsuru Shuzo official website
Image credit: Sabroumaru Distillery Official Facebook
For more information about Saburoumaru Distillery, please visit here↓.
https://jpwhisky.net/manufacturer/saburomaru/
3. Product name and photo
SABUROUMARU GYOKUTO Edition 2021
4. Characteristics
The key malt is Saburoumaru distillery malt.
The average age of the blend is over 10 years.
The Scotch grain aged in roasting barrels manufactured in the woodworking town of Inami and the sherry malt are interwoven to create a unique whisky.
It is characterized by the multi-layered aroma of Scotch grain and sherry malt that is woven together.
*In order to preserve the natural flavors, we do not use any cooling filtration or coloring.
*Limited to 9,000 bottles sold.
4-1. Tasting Notes
Aroma Complex aromas of peaty, malty, and vanilla. Taste Sherry, soft sweetness of grain. Aftertaste Long aftertaste. 4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 46% alcohol by volume |
| alcohol category | Blended Whisky |
| Barrel type | – |
| Contents | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | Limited edition of 9,000 bottles |
| Suggested retail price | 5,830 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | May 27, 2021 |
5. Awards
No awards have been received at this time.
6. Price
6-1. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
| Product name | SABUROUMARU GYOKUTO Edition 2021 |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Suggested retail price | 5,830 yen (tax included) |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is Around 6,800 yen to 9,000 yen The resale price on Mercari is as follows. (*As of June 16, 2021)
6-3. Sold price on Yahoo Auction
The winning bid price on Yahoo Auction is Lowest bidder: 5,500 yen, highest bidder: 9,400 yen, average bidder: 7,287 yen. (*Statistics for the past 120 days as of June 16, 2021)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
On mail order sites, it is sold at Around 7,800 yen to 9,800 yen sold at Yahoo Auctions. (*As of June 16, 2021)
6-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR SHINKAI,” which is operated by this site, we offer 1 cup, 45 ml: 1,650 yen 30ml: 1,100 yen, 15ml: 550 yen It is also offered in small quantities such as.
https://en.jpwhisky.net/about-2/barshinkai-4/
7. Summary
Like Moonglow Limited, GYOKUTO is blended so that the average age of the sake is more than 10 years, so it is mellow and has a complex taste.
The sweetness of the sherry malt and grain and the softness of the blend make it a good choice for whisky beginners.
Please check out the other articles about Saburoumaru Distillery and Moonglow.
https://jpwhisky.net/moon-glow-limited-edition2020-1792/
https://jpwhisky.net/2021/03/05/moon-glow- crescent-2018/
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you are interested in learning more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, and want to learn more about it, we highly recommend these books.
(1). Japanese whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled ” Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business.
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(2). Whisky Galore Vol.25 April 2021
The April 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute.
This issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, features the definition of Japanese whisky and a list of 24 distilleries as the latest in Japanese whisky. It also includes an interview with Suntory Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, making it a must-have for Japanese whisky fans.
(3). Whisky Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
