After the release of the 7th anniversary bottle last November, the first bottle of the new year, Single Malt Tsunuki 2024 Edition, was released. Characteristics, price, and purchase site.
The Mars Tsunuki Distillery is located in the basin, where the temperature difference and the high quality water from the Kurata Mountains are well balanced. This single malt is made by vatting the original wine matured in various casks, mainly bourbon barrels and sherry casks.
MSRP: 9,020 yen (including tax), limited to 48,200 bottles.
It has a sweet, mellow aroma that spreads softly and a full, rich, thick flavor. It seems to have a different taste from last year’s 2023 Edition.
2. Distillery
Mars Tsunuki Distillery
| Location | 6594, Kaseda-Tsunuki, Minami-Satsuma-shi, Kagoshima 899-3611 |
| Start of operation | 2016 |
“Tsunuki” in Kaseda, Minamisatsuma City. “The Mars Tsunuki Distillery”, the southernmost whisky distillery on the mainland, is located in the green mountains southwest of Satsuma Peninsula.
Tsunuki, located in the southwestern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, is in a long basin along the Kaseda River, a tributary of the Manose River. Surrounded by Mt. Kurata (475m) to the east and Mt. Nagaya (513m) to the west, the basin-like topography makes the summers hot and the winters cold, which are extremely severe in South Satsuma.
The area has a natural environment that is a “blessing from nature” with good water resources (Mt. Kurata spring water), and is known as “Tsunuki Mikan” (mandarin orange), which is cultivated by effectively utilizing the mountain slope.
Blessed with a mild climate and good water resources, Tsunuki is the birthplace of the Honbo Sake Brewery. It has been more than 100 years since the brewery started making shochu using Satsuma sweet potatoes, one of Satsuma’s representative specialties.
Reference: Mars Tsunuki Distillery official website
3. Product name and photo
Single Malt Tsunuki 2024 Edition
Single Malt tsunuki 2024 Edition
4. Caracteristics
“Single Malt Tsunuki” is produced at the Mars Tsunuki Distillery, where the temperature difference unique to the basin and the high quality water from the Kurata Mountains are interwoven. This single malt is made by vatting the original spirit matured in various casks, mainly bourbon barrels and sherry casks.
Please enjoy the softly spread sweet and mellow aroma and rich and thick taste.
*This product conforms to the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association “Standards for the Labeling of Japanese Whisky”.
Reference: Japanese Whisky｜Single Malt Tsunuki 2023 Edition｜Honbo Shuzo Co
4-1. Tasting Note
| Aroma | College sweet potato, baked pastry-like aroma, pear element when watered, overall sweet aroma. |
| Taste | Ripe plum, berry, sponge gourd, lemon-like citrus, mild bitterness. |
| Aftertaste | Sourness passes through the nose with a sweet aroma and lingers for a long time. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 50% |
| Alcohol category | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Cask type | Bourbon barrels, sherry casks predominate |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Number of units sold | Limited edition of 48,200 |
| Suggested Retail Price | 9,020 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | January 19, 2024 |
5. Awards received
No awards have been received at this time.
6. Price
6-1. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
| Product Name | Single Malt Tsunuki 2024 Edition |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 9,020 yen (tax included) |
6-2. Resale price on mercari
Resale price on Mercari is around 13,000 yen. (*As of January 23, 2024)
6-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
The listing status on Yahoo! Auctions is almost the same as the list price. (*As of January 23, 2024)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
It is also available on mail order sites for around 10,500 yen. (*As of January 23, 2024)
6-5. Prices offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, one glass is offered at 45ml: 2,640 yen, 30ml: 1,760 yen, and 15ml: 880 yen.
7. Summary
When served straight, the sherry element and Tsunuki’s sweetness stand out, and when watered down, the refreshing element of bourbon appears, bringing out its diverse aspects straight, with water, or with soda. It is a bottle that can be enjoyed in various ways with Tsunuki’s unique sweetness.
■Please also check out the articles about other whiskies from the Honbo Shuzo and Tsunuki Distillery.
