Shinshu Mars distillery

Introduction to Shinshu Mars

A distillery nestled in the Japanese Alps

Shinshu Mars is a Japanese whisky distillery tucked away in the breathtaking Nagano Prefecture, sitting at an impressive altitude of 798 meters in the Japanese Alps. This elevation makes it Japan’s highest distillery, where the crisp mountain air and dramatic seasonal temperature variations contribute to the distinctive character of their spirits.

The distillery benefits from the pure, soft water sourced from the surrounding mountains, filtered naturally through granite layers, providing an exceptional foundation for their whisky production.

Why we have a soft spot for Shinshu Mars

At Vault of Spirits, we admire Shinshu Mars for their resilience and commitment to craftsmanship despite facing challenges throughout their history. Their ability to maintain traditional Japanese whisky-making techniques while embracing experimentation sets them apart in the global whisky landscape.

We particularly appreciate their thoughtful approach to maturation, utilizing Japan’s unique climate conditions to create expressions that balance refinement with character.

The History of Shinshu Mars

Origin and development

Shinshu Mars was established in 1985 by Hombo Shuzo, a company with a rich heritage in traditional Japanese alcohol production dating back to 1872. Initially focused on shochu production, the company’s venture into whisky distillation represented an ambitious expansion of their craft spirits portfolio.

The distillery’s journey hasn’t been without challenges – operations were temporarily halted between 1992 and 2011 due to declining whisky demand in Japan. This period of dormancy has now become part of the distillery’s fascinating narrative, with “pre-closure” and “post-revival” whiskies each telling a chapter of the Mars story.

The people behind the craft

Today, Shinshu Mars is guided by Master Distiller Koki Takehira, whose blend of traditional knowledge and innovative spirit has been instrumental in the distillery’s modern renaissance. The production team maintains a hands-on approach to whisky-making, carefully monitoring each batch with meticulous attention to detail.

Their collective vision has transformed what was once a small, lesser-known operation into a respected name in the increasingly prominent Japanese whisky category.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Shinshu Mars begins with carefully selected malted barley, primarily imported from Scotland though some Japanese-grown barley is occasionally incorporated. The distillery employs a combination of peated and unpeated malt, allowing for versatility in their flavor profiles.

The distillation takes place in copper pot stills that feature unique straight head designs, contributing to a cleaner, more precise spirit. The high altitude means that water boils at a lower temperature, creating subtle but significant effects on the distillation process that distinguish Mars whisky from its Japanese counterparts.

Maturation and aging

Mars whiskies mature in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, wine casks, and Japanese mizunara oak. The extreme temperature fluctuations at the distillery location – from sweltering summers to freezing winters – accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood, creating depth and complexity in a relatively shorter aging period.

The company also maintains a separate aging facility on the island of Yakushima, where the warm, humid maritime climate imparts different characteristics to their whisky, allowing for fascinating variations within their portfolio.

Selected Products from Shinshu Mars

Mars Iwai Tradition – The gateway to Mars style

This blended whisky offers an excellent introduction to the Mars approach, featuring notes of honey, orchard fruits, and subtle oak spice. Its approachable character and smooth mouthfeel make it a perfect starting point for those new to Japanese whisky, while still providing enough complexity to satisfy experienced enthusiasts.

Mars Komagatake Limited Edition – An experience for connoisseurs

The Komagatake series represents Mars’ single malt expressions, often released in limited quantities with specific vintage designations or cask finishes. Expect a more pronounced character, with rich tropical fruit notes, delicate smokiness, and a distinctive mineral quality that speaks to the distillery’s alpine location – bottlings that showcase the full potential of Japanese craftsmanship.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Shinshu Mars welcomes visitors year-round, offering guided tours that provide insight into their unique production methods. The visitor center includes historical exhibits that tell the story of Hombo Shuzo’s journey from shochu to whisky production, and tastings typically include 3-4 expressions that showcase the range of their portfolio.

The spectacular mountain setting makes a visit particularly rewarding, with seasonal changes offering different perspectives on this remote whisky outpost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shinshu Mars?

Shinshu Mars is a Japanese whisky distillery owned by Hombo Shuzo, producing both single malt and blended whiskies. Their approach combines traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with distinctly Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail, resulting in spirits that honor both traditions while creating something entirely their own.

Where is Shinshu Mars located?

The distillery is located in Miyada village in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan, at an elevation of 798 meters in the Japanese Alps. This remote alpine setting contributes significantly to the character of their whisky, from the water source to the maturation conditions.

What characterizes Shinshu Mars whisky?

Mars whiskies are known for their elegant balance, precision, and clean flavor profiles. They typically feature bright fruit notes, gentle spice, and occasionally subtle smoke, all underpinned by a distinctive minerality from the mountain water source. Their expressions often demonstrate remarkable complexity despite relatively modest age statements.

Where can I buy whisky from Shinshu Mars?

You can find selected bottles from Shinshu Mars at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the finest examples of this distinctive Japanese distillery’s craft.