The Mars Shinshu distillery stands at an altitude of 798 meters above sea level, surrounded by the rich nature and pure water gushing from the foot of Mt.
“MARS MALTAGE Cosmo Malt Selection” is a malt whisky that expresses complexity and depth by vatting several different types of malt whisky using MARS whisky’s blending technology.
The name of the product, “Cosmo” is said to be named after “Mt. Cosmo” one of the mountains in the Central Alps. The name “Cosmo” is reminiscent of space, and the label design is based on the image of the night sky seen from the Mars Shinshu distillery located at the foot of the Chuo Alps. (See the manufacturer’s website)
1. Manufacturer
Hombo Shuzo Co.
| Established | 1872 |
| Head office location | 3-27, Minamisakae, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 891-0122, Japan |
| Owned distilleries | Mars Shinshu distillery, Mars Tsunuki distillery |
2. Distillery
Mars Shinshu Distillery
| Location | 4752-31, Miyata-mura, Kamiina-gun, Nagano 399-4301, Japan |
| Start of operation | 1985 |
In 1985, Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd. opened a distillery at an altitude of 798 meters at the foot of Mt. Komagatake in the Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, in search of the perfect environment for whisky production (cold climate with clean air, moderate humidity, and high-quality water). This place is cool, with deep fog, and the rain and snowmelt that falls on the 3000m mountains passes through the granite soil to become high quality water with natural minerals.
One day, I want to make a real whisky that makes the most of Japan’s climate. The Mars whisky Mars Shinshu Distillery was built to realize the dream of Hombo Shuzo. Surrounded by the beautiful and deep green forest at the foot of Mount Komagatake in the Central Alps, the distillery stands in the silence of clean air.
3. Product name and photo
Mars Maltage Cosmo 
4. Characteristics
Vatting multiple malts of different types.
It has a plump sweet and malty aroma reminiscent of honey and caramel, with a hint of smoky flavors and ripe fruit notes, and a round, soft, gentle finish on the palate.
4-1. Tasting Notes
| Nose | Sweet and fruity with a hint of honey and oak. |
| Taste | Fruity and smoky flavors like lemon and melon. |
| Aftertaste | Soft and gentle aftertaste. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 43% |
| alcohol category | Blended malt whisky |
| Barrel type | – |
| Contents | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | – |
| Suggested retail price | 4,620 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | July 1, 2015 |
5. Awards
There are no awards at this time.
6. Price
(( Image credit: Honbo Shuzo Official Mail Order / Mars Mortage Koshimai 43 degrees, 700ml, in a cosmetic box, 4620 yen)
| Product Name | Mars Maltage Cosmo |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested retail price | Tax included: 4,620 yen |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is Around 3,000 yen to 4,500 yen The resale price on Mercari is as follows. (*as of March 11 , 2021)
Image credit: Mercari
6-3. Sold price on Yahoo Auction
The winning bid price on Yahoo Auction is Lowest price: 1,701 yen, Highest price: 3,710 yen, Average price: 2,391 yen (*Statistics for the past 120 days as of March 11 , 2021)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
It is also sold on mail order sites at Around 4,000 to 4,500 yen (*As of 2021/3/11) The winning bid price on Yahoo! (*As of March 11 , 2021)
6-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR SHINKAI”, which is operated by this site, it is offered at 1 cup, 45ml: 1,320 yen. (*As of March 11 , 2021)
Bar Shinkai, which is operated by this site, offers it at.
https://en.jpwhisky.net/about-2/barshinkai-4/
7. Summary
Mild on the palate. It does not have a complex flavor, but it is easy to drink and has a sweetness that makes it easy to drink even for a whisky beginner. It can be enjoyed with water without losing its flavor.
The aroma of the barrel and malt can also be felt, so it is recommended to try drinking it straight first.
It can be said that it is a recommended whisky for an introduction to Japanese whisky.
Please check out the other articles about Hombo Shuzo.
https://jpwhisky.net/marswhisky-asagimadara-851/
https://en.jpwhisky.net/2020/10/06/singlemalt_komagadake_2020-2/
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). 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.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey 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.
