Mars whisky carries a long tradition of spirits production. The family-run Hombo Shuzo Co. was founded in 1872 in Kagoshima, in the very south of Japan, to produce Shochu, a traditional Japanese brandy. In early 1950, the company decided to start distilling whisky to broaden its product portfolio. However, the first batches were not distilled until ten years later, in the new buildings of a distillery constructed in Yamanashi prefecture, in the center of the main island of Honshu. This site was only used for a few years, before the production facilities were moved again. New headquarters: the Shinshu distillery, near Nagano, where Mars brand whisky was first produced in 1985.
Japan's highest-altitude whisky distillery was forced to close its doors only a few years later, however. Hombo Shuzo Co. waited for the development of interest in Japanese whisky and its growing popularity to renovate the production site. Since 2011, Mars whisky casks have once again been filled at the Shinshu distillery.
Since 2016, the company has also been distilling at a second site. A distillery modelled on the Shinshu distillery has been built on the Hombo Shuzo Co. group's historic production site in Kagoshima. We look forward to discovering the whiskies with which this distillery will enrich our assortment in the coming years.
Nose: Complex, with notes of toast, dry peat and twigs. On aeration, the peat becomes more intense, almost animal-like. Exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango) and fresh figs add substance and verve to the aromatic palette.
Mouth: Dynamic, exotic, honeyed (lime blossom) and floral (hyacinth). The mid-palate is deeply rooted (ginseng, gentian), highlighting an extremely saline and refreshing minerality.
Finish: Long and balanced. Peat with chocolate, vanilla and spicy (saffron) accents takes center stage. Intensely, it invites us to savor a delicious plain pound cake. Scents of Havana, wildflowers and black licorice.
This expression was launched in 2020 with a refined formula and a new label design to represent the brand. While remaining a smooth, harmonious malt blend, the formula also features an exquisite balance of elegant sweetness, complexity and depth, as well as a rich, smoky mouthfeel.
Nose: Yoichi Discovery Aromatic Yeast reveals notes of ripe fruit, vanilla and toasted oak. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals flavors of caramel, caramelized pears and walnuts. Finish: The finish is long and warm, giving way to smoky, spicy notes.
Nose: Miyagikyo Discovery Aromatic Yeast reveals delicate notes of ripe fruit, vanilla and honey, with a light floral touch. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals complex flavors of tropical fruit, toasted oak and caramel, offering a silky, balanced texture. Finish: The finish is long and warm, giving way to lingering notes of dried fruit and subtle spices.
Nose: Round, fruity with sweet notes of maple syrup.
Mouth: Round, notes of dried fruit, maple syrup. A hint of chocolate and coconut.
Finish: Medium with a hint of saltiness (manzanilla).
