Phoenix-origin smoke in a bottle.
Saburomaru 0 THE FOOL is more than whisky—it is the brave first step of a distillery reborn. From post-war resilience to modern-day ambition, this heavily peated dram carries fire, tradition, and community in every drop.
Prologue: Rising from the Ashes
In 1952, nestled in Toyama’s Tonami City, the Saburomaru Distillery was born from the spirit of postwar recovery. Operated by Wakatsuru Sake Brewery, its early whisky efforts were humble—sporadic and secondary to sake. A destructive fire and shifting market interest nearly closed the chapter on this small distillery forever.
But in 2017, something extraordinary happened: the community rallied behind Saburomaru. A successful crowdfunding campaign sparked renovations, breathing new life into this historic site. Their rebirth began with one courageous release—THE FOOL, named after the tarot card symbolizing brave new beginnings.
Scene 1: Bronze Still, Modern Soul
What sets Saburomaru apart is its embrace of both heritage and innovation. In 2019, the distillery introduced ZEMON, the world’s first cast-pot still made of a copper-tin alloy. This engineering marvel creates deeper flavor complexity and improves energy efficiency—a nod to the future built on the foundation of the past.
Scene 2: Bold Character in Every Drop
THE FOOL is heavily peated—50 ppm—and bottled non-chill-filtered, non-colored, and undiluted, preserving its raw character. The flavor profile is as daring as its name:
- Nose: Campfire smoke, roasted chestnuts, mint
- Palate: Oily, earthy, with buttery vanilla and charcoal
- Finish: Lingering and spicy, with echoes of forest and sea
It doesn’t aim to please everyone—but it pleases those who seek something real.
Scene 3: Cult Whisky with Community Roots
Though limited to only 2,000 bottles, THE FOOL has gained a dedicated following. Fans resonate not only with its Islay-like peatiness, but also with its transparency, storytelling, and its role as a symbol of revival. This whisky isn’t about polish or prestige—it’s about heart.
Final Scene: The Fool’s Quiet Triumph
THE FOOL is a declaration: you don’t need a legacy to make a legend. What you need is fire, craft, and conviction. In a world of carefully marketed luxury, this bottle stands as a testament to the underdog spirit—unrefined, unforgettable, and unafraid.
🥃 What You Taste in Saburomaru 0 THE FOOL
- Peat intensity at 50 ppm
- Natural richness from non-chill filtration
- Oaky warmth from bourbon casks
- Minty brightness and a long, smoky finish