Hombo Shuzo (Mars)

本坊酒造

Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.

A Kagoshima based spirits company with roots dating to 1872, primarily known as a shochu producer. Hombo Shuzo operates two whisky distilleries: Mars Shinshu (Komagatake) in Nagano at 798 meters elevation (the highest distillery in Japan) and Mars Tsunuki in Kagoshima (their spiritual homeland, opened 2016). The Mars whisky brand has grown steadily in reputation, offering more approachable prices than Suntory or Nikka. Their annual limited edition Komagatake releases have developed a following among collectors. The brand occupies a middle ground between the major producers and the new wave craft distilleries.

Hombo Shuzo's whisky history stretches back to 1949 when they received a whisky production license, making them one of Japan's earliest whisky producers. The Mars Shinshu distillery in Nagano's Central Alps opened in 1985 but was mothballed in 1992 as Japanese whisky demand collapsed. It was revived in 2011 as the global Japanese whisky boom took hold. The high altitude location provides extreme temperature fluctuations that accelerate maturation, giving Mars whiskies a distinctive character. The opening of Mars Tsunuki distillery in 2016, located in Kagoshima's warmer climate, gave Hombo Shuzo two contrasting whisky making environments to work with, similar to Nikka's Yoichi/Miyagikyo approach. The tropical aging at Tsunuki produces fuller, more sherried character compared to Shinshu's alpine precision. Mars Komagatake limited editions have become increasingly competitive in quality, and the brand's honest pricing (compared to the Suntory and Nikka premium) earns appreciation from value conscious enthusiasts. The Cosmo blended malt series, combining malt from both distilleries, showcases their blending ambitions.

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