With its roots in Kiichiro Iwai, the man who sent Masataka Taketsuru to Scotland and the creator of Mars Whiskey, and under the slogan “local is global,” the distillery is a well-established distillery that has won many international awards in the whiskey, shochu, wine and other categories.
1.Outline
The distillery was established in 1985 by Hombo Shuzo, a general liquor manufacturer in Kagoshima, famous for its authentic shochu “Sakurajima”.
In 1949, it obtained a license to produce whiskey, and since 1960, it has been producing whiskey as well as developing its wine business in Ishiwa-machi, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture.
In search of an ideal location for whiskey production, Mars Shinshu Distillery (now Komagatake Distillery) was opened in Miyata-mura, Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture.
At the foot of Mt. Komagatake in the Central Alps, 798 meters above sea level, the distillery produces various blended whiskeys including “Single Malt Komagatake” in an environment covered with deep green trees.
The Mars Shinshu Distillery was forced to suspend production for 19 years from 1992 due to the whisky recession, but in February 2011, the distillery quickly recognized the signs of recovery in whisky demand and resumed operations.
In 2020, the distillery underwent a total renovation for the first time in 35 years at a cost of 1.2 billion yen.
The visitor building, which houses a store and bar, was also renovated, and the distillery building is now open for tours.
In April 2021, the Japanese blended malt, the first Japanese whiskey in the industry to be made possible through an exchange of original whiskey with the “Venture Whiskey Chichibu Distillery,” was released and became a hot topic.
The name was changed to “Mars Komagatake Distillery” in 2024.
2.Basic Information
2-1. Owner
Honbo Shuzo
2-2. Location
399-4301
4752-31 Miyata-mura, Kamiina-gun, Nagano
Access
By Car
Expressway ≪Expressway
Approximately 7 minutes by car from Komagane Interchange
JR
About 10 minutes by cab after getting off at Komagane Station or Miyata Station on the JR Iida Line.
Bus】【Bus
Approx. 20 minutes walk from Suganodai Bus Center bus stop.
2-4. Start of operation
1985 (Showa 60)
2-5. Main Products
Hombo Shuzo, which has been producing whiskey for a long time, has more original whiskey in its possession than other craft distilleries.
The limited series released every year, the Yakushima Aged Series, and the products from another distillery, Tsunuki Distillery, are released at short intervals throughout the year, always delighting our consumers.
Among the products released as year-round products, we recommend “Iwai Tradition”.
None currently available.
3.Tours and Visitor Center
The Mars Komagatake Distillery has a visitor’s building that offers a full range of services for visitors.
In addition, the distillery sells exclusive whiskey, Mars wine, Minami-Shinshu beer, and original goods from the store, and bottles of past Mars whiskey and certificates are displayed behind the bar counter.
Although visitors can tour the shop without reservations, those with reservations are given priority, so it is recommended to make a reservation.
Hours of Operation
9:00-16:00 (reception desk/bar open until 15:30)
Closed
12/29-1/3 *Special holidays may occur.
Admission
Free (tasting is charged)
Tour Hours
Distillery (free tour): approx. 20 min.
Parking lot
Free of charge
 |
 |
3-1. Gourmet information around the distillery
However, if you go around Komagane Station, the closest station to the distillery, there are many restaurants and bars that sell Komagatake whisky.
3-2. Sightseeing and lodging
There are, of course, ski resorts, hot springs, and leisure facilities unique to snowy areas.
In addition, the “Asagimadara no Sato”, which is the motif of the “Le Papillon Series” limited edition whiskey with various butterflies on the label near the distillery, is a rare opportunity to experience the world of whiskey.
It is recommended, especially during the autumn foliage season, when it is easy to spend time there.
4.Production Specifications
The main malt used was Crisp’s Baird, but since 2022, they have also been using 2-row barley grown in Miyata Village and Komagane City.
In addition to distiller’s yeast, ale yeast from Minami-Shinshu Beer on the same premises is also used.
The Komagatake Distillery originally had a pot still built by Kiichiro Iwai based on Taketsuru notes, but it was replaced by a new one in 2014 due to aging.
The shape of the new still is a faithful reproduction of the original Kiichiro Iwai pot still.
Incidentally, the Iwai-style distillation pot that was actually in use until 2014 is currently on display at the entrance.
A new mash tun was installed at that time, as well as three new stainless steel fermenters, and together with the three existing wooden fermenters, six fermenters are currently in operation. Two pot stills (first and second distillation) were also newly installed in 2002. Both stills are made by Miyake Seisakusho, and are faithful reproductions of the first stills designed by Kiichiro Iwai, who was once involved in the design of Yamanashi Deduction Oil as an advisor.
| Production Volume | 180,000 liters |
| Brewing water | Water from a well 120m below the distillery (natural water filtered through a granite layer) |
| Preparation volume |
1.1 tons per batch |
| Malt mill | Small mill made by Kanzel of Germany |
| Saccharification tank | Stainless steel fluroy tartan made by Miyake Seisakusho (approx. 6,000 liters) |
| Wort volume | 4400 liters |
| Fermentation tanks | 3 stainless steel, 3 wooden (Douglas fir) |
| Pot still | First distillation 1 straight type made by Miyake Seisakusho, 6,000 liters redistillation One 8200-liter straight type manufactured by Miyake Seisakusho Co. *Both are steam kettle heated |
| Cooling system | Hatsudome shell & tube Redistillation Worm Tub |
| Bottling Facilities | None |
| Maturing warehouse | 5 racks (approx. 5800 barrels) Others: Tsunuki Distillery, Yakushima Aging Cellar |
5.Maturing environment
The distillery is located 798 meters above sea level at the foot of Kisokomagatake in the Central Alps, and the Otakiri River runs near the distillery.
The area has a wide range of temperatures, with temperatures reaching 30°C in summer and minus 15°C in winter.
The image of maturation in cold regions is that it is gradual, but the high altitude makes the maturation process dynamic.
 |
 |
6.Distillery Story
6-1. History
| 1949 (1949) |
Whiskey manufacturing license obtained in Kagoshima Prefecture. Began whiskey production under the guidance of Kiichiro Iwai. |
|---|---|
| 1960 1960 (Showa 35) |
Construction of Yamanashi factory completed. Whiskey production license in Kagoshima is transferred. Begins production of whiskey and wine. Kiichiro Iwai is involved in plant design and production guidance. Begins sales under the brand name “Mars Whiskey. |
| 1969 (1969) |
Kagoshima factory reacquires whisky production license. |
| 1984 (1984) |
Distillation of malt whiskey at the Kagoshima factory is suspended. |
| 1985 (Year 1985) (1985) |
Construction of Mars Shinshu distillery completed. The manufacturing license in Yamanashi was transferred and the distillation facilities were relocated. |
| 1992 (Heisei 4) |
Production at Mars Shinshu distillery was suspended (until 2011). |
| 1995 (Heisei 24) 1995 (Heisei 7) |
Single malt “Maltage Satsuma 12years” and “Maltage Komagatake 10years” were released. |
| 2000 (Heisei 7) 2000 (Heisei 12) |
Mars Whiskey Mountain Series, single casks “Hogendake 14years”, “Senganrei 13years”, “Koshi Hyakusan 12years”, “Kyogatake 10 years” and “Kugidake 8 years” are put on sale. |
| 2004 (Heisei 16) |
Mars Maltige 1984 Triple Cask 20years old” was released. Single malt “Vintage Satsuma 1984” is released. |
| 2006 (Heisei 16) (2006) |
MARS SINGLE CASK VINTAGE MALT WHISKY KOMAGATAKE (1986#448,1989#616) is put on sale. |
| 2009 (Heisei 18) 2009 (Heisei 21) |
MARS SINGLE CASK VINTAGE MALT WHISKY KOMAGATAKE (1988#566,1989#617,1992#1144) Single malt “The Malt of Kagoshima1984” is released. |
| 2010 (Heisei 22) |
Blended whiskey “Iwai Tradition” is released. |
| 2011 (Heisei 22) 2011 (Heisei 23) |
Mars Shinshu distillery resumes distilling whiskey. Pure malt whiskey “Mars Maltage 3 plus 25 28 years”. Maltage Komagatake Pure Malt Whisky 10years” is released. |
| 2012 (Heisei 24) |
Single Cask Komagatake (1989#1041, 1989#1060, 1985#162) is released. |
| 2013 (Heisei 24) (2013) |
Mars Maltige 3 Plus 25 28years” won the World’s Best Award at the WWA 2013. Single Malt Komagatake 22years old Single Malt Komagatake Bourbon Barrel 24years Single Cask Komagatake 1988 #569 Single Cask Komagatake 1989 #619 was released. |
| 2014. (2014) |
Mars Shinshu Distillery commissioned Miyake Seisakusho to update its whiskey distillation kettles with the same shape as the pot stills designed by Kiichiro Iwai (one each for first distillation and redistillation). Single cask Komagatake 1988 #557 Blended whiskey “Mars Whiskey Twin Alps The Revival 2011 Single Malt Komagatake Single Malt Komagatake Sherry & American White Oak 2011 was released. |
| 2015 (2015) |
Mars Maltage Koshyaku Malt Selection” Single Malt Komagatake Nature of Shinshu Ryuyo” Released “The Lucky Cat “Sun” Port & Madeira Cask Finish”. |
| 2016 (2016) |
Completed construction of Mars Tsunuki Distillery and Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar. Single Malt Komagatake, Nature of Shinshu, Kohigan Cherry Blossom. Single Malt Komagatake 1986 AGED 30 YEARS American White Oak Natural Cask Strength The Lucky Cat Ash ’99 Single Malt Komagatake Sherry & American White Oak 2011 Wine Cask Finish Single Malt Komagatake Tsunuki Aged” released. |
| 2017 (2017) |
Single Malt Komagatake 1986 AGED 30YEARS Sherry Cask Single Malt Komagatake 1986 AGED 30YEARS Sherry Cask Natural Cask Strength Single Malt Komagatake Yakushima Aged 2014 Single Malt Komagatake Nature of Shinshu -Shinano Gamakoe The Lucky Cat Mint Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask “Oorurishi Shijimi”. Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask ” was released. |
| 2018 (Heisei 30) |
Single Malt Komagatake AGED 27YEARS” Single Malt Komagatake Double Cellars Bottled in 2018 Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2018″ Single Malt Komagatake Tsunuki Aging Bottled in 2018 The Lucky Cat “Mae” Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask “ Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask “Tsumabenichou Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask ” was released. |
|
2019 |
Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2019 Single Malt Komagatake Double Cellars Bottled in 2019 Single Malt Komagatake Yakushima Aging Bottled in 2019 Single Malt Komagatake Tsunuki Aging Bottled in 2019 Single Cask Komagatake 1990 No.1040 AGED 27YEARS” Single Cask Komagatake 2012 No.1493 AGED 6YEARS MARS MORTAGE KOSHIHAKU MANZANILLA Cask Finish Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask . Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask . Mars Whisky Sakura Cask Finish” is released. |
| 2020 (2020) |
Completion of maintenance work to expand whisky production facilities. A distillation building and a visitor’s building are newly constructed. Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2020 Single Malt Komagatake Yakushima Aged Bottled in 2020 Single Malt Komagatake IPA Cask Finish Bottled in 2020 Single Malt Komagatake 1991 No.160 AGED 28YEARS Mars Maltage Koshibaku Wine Cask Finish The Lucky Cat Hana Komagatake New Pot Lightly Peated 2020 “Mars Malt Le Papillon Double Cask Yakushimaruri Shijimi.” Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask Mars Malt Le Papillon Single Cask “Peacock Butterfly” is released. |
| 2021 (2021) |
Mars Maltese Maltage Koshi Hyaku Manzanilla Cask Finish” is released. MARUS WHISKEY SHIKI Yama Sauvignon Cask Finish Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2021 Single Malt Komagatake IPA Cask Finish Bottled in 2021 The Lucky Cat Chocolate Mars Whiskey Malt Duo Komagatake x Chichibu 2021 Mars Malt Le Papillon Komatsu Takahide Edition” is released. |
| 2022 (2022) |
The Lucky Cat “Luna” is released. Single Cask Komagatake 2014 No.1841 AGED 7 YEARS MARS The Y.A. #01 Single Malt Komagatake IPA Cask Finish Bottled in 2022 MARS Malt Le Papillon Single Cask Single Malt Komagatake 2022 Edition” was released. |
| Year 2023 (2023) |
The Lucky Cat Double Indivisuals May & Luna” is released. Mars Malt Le Papillon Double Cask . Mars Maltage Koshyaku Wine Cask Finish 2023 Single Malt Komagatake 2023 Edition” is released. The “Whisky 100 Year Project – Fellow Distillers” blended whisky, a collaboration of five Japanese manufacturers, is released. |
| 2024 (2024) |
The distillery name is changed from Mars Shinshu to Mars Komagatake. MARS The Y.A. #03 (using Mars Shinshu and Mars Tsunuki sake) is released. The “Mars Komagatake Distillery Festival 2024” is held. |
6-2. Past Blenders
Chief Blender Hajime Kuchi
Graduated from the Department of Fermentation and Production, Faculty of Engineering, University of Yamanashi in 1983, and joined Hombo Shuzo.
After joining the company, he was involved in wine production at the Yamanashi Winery for 10 years, and for the next 10 years, he was involved in purchasing and selling imported wines and in sales management and planning for Mars Wine.
In 2004 (Heisei 16), he became the factory manager of Mars Yamanashi Winery.
From 2009 (Heisei 21), he has been engaged in the restart of distillation at Mars Shinshu Distillery and whiskey business as the General Manager of Koshin Production Department.
After being appointed as Director in 2013 (Heisei 25), he became Whisky Division Strategic Promotion Team Leader and Chief Blender.
From 2023, he will be appointed as Managing Director.
7.List of other distilleries
