A limited-edition bottle commemorating the 9th anniversary of Hombo Shuzo’s Mars Tsunuki Distillery. Reviewing the bottle sold exclusively at the Tsunuki Distillery Festival.Features, price, and purchase sites introduced.
Anniversary bottle sold exclusively at the Tsunuki Distillery Festival. Celebrating its 9th anniversary, this limited-edition Tsunuki bottle is a special release made with Nijo barley from Minamisatsuma-City.
1. Bottle Photos and Where to Buy
Single Malt Tsunuki 9th Anniversary of MARS TSUNUKI DISTILLERY
Single malt TSUNUKI 9th Anniversary of MARS TSUNUKI DISTILLERY 
2. Features of Single Malt Tsunuki 9th Anniversary of MARS TSUNUKI DISTILLERY
The Mars Tsunuki Distillery, completed in November 2016, celebrates its 9th anniversary this year. This product uses malted Nijo barley (local barley) grown naturally in the local Minamisatsuma-City as its raw material. The base spirit, distilled at the Tsunuki Distillery in 2021 and matured in bourbon barrels, was carefully selected by the blender.Please enjoy this special single malt whisky, crafted with gratitude for the natural blessings of Minamisatsuma: the terroir nurturing the Nijo barley, the high-quality spring water from the Kurata Mountain Range, and the maturation environment.Quote: From the bottle description
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2-1. Tasting Notes
Aroma Pear juice, citrus syrup, biscuit, freshly cut grass Taste Fruit mix juice, sponge cake After taste Fruity and sweet, with a clean, fresh finish that lingers beautifully 2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 56% |
| Types of Alcohol | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Barrel Type | Bourbon Barrel |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | ¥15,400 (tax included) |
| Number of Bottles | 891 bottles |
3. Awards
No awards have been received at this time.
4. List Price and Online Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
| Product Name | Single Malt Tsunuki 9th Anniversary of MARS TSUNUKI DISTILLERY |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | ¥15,400 (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
Resale price on Mercari could not be confirmed at this time. (As of 2026/2/17)
4-3. Yahoo! Auctions Winning Bid Price
Currently, a bundled sale with Tsunuki 2026 was listed on Yahoo! Auctions for ¥35,000. (As of 2026/2/17)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
No listings were found on these online shopping sites. (As of February 17, 2026)
4-5. Price at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinai,” operated by this site, we offer small portions such as 45ml for ¥4,290, 30ml for ¥2,860, and 15ml for ¥1,430.
5. Manufacturer
Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1872 |
| Headquarters | 891-0122; 3-27 Minami Sakae, Kagoshima-City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Distilleries Owned | Mars Shinshu Distillery, Mars Tsunuki Distillery |
6. Distilleries
Mars Tsunuki Distillery
| Location | 6594 Tsunuki, Kaseda, Minamisatsuma-City, Kagoshima Prefecture 899-3611 |
| Start of Operations | 2016 |
Kaseda, Minamisatsuma-City, “ Tsunuki “. Nestled within the lush mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula’s southwest lies Mars Tsunuki Distillery, the southernmost whisky distillery on the mainland.
Tsunuki, located in the southwestern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, lies in a long, narrow basin along the Kaseda River, a tributary of the Manose River. Surrounded by Mount Kurata (475m) to the east and Mount Chouya (513m) to the west, its basin-like terrain makes summers hot and winters exceptionally harsh for southern Satsuma.
Blessed with high-quality water resources (Mount Kurata Spring Water) and a natural environment that could be called a “gift from heaven,” the area also thrives on Mandarin cultivation, effectively utilizing the mountain slopes. These Mandarin are known as “Tsunuki Mandarin.”
Tsunuki, blessed with a warm climate and excellent water resources, is the birthplace of Hombo Shuzo. For over a century since beginning shochu production using Satsuma’s representative specialty, the sweet potato, we have thoroughly understood this land’s water and climate. Now, in Tsunuki, where the tradition of sake brewing lives on, we are dedicated to whisky production.
Source: Mars Tsunuki Distillery Official Website
7. Summary
Nine years have passed since the distillery’s completion. While many diverse distilleries have emerged across Kyushu, Tsunuki remains firmly established as the flagship.
Despite being only about 10 years old, Tsunuki Distillery boasts a diverse range of base spirits. While it benefits from the techniques and knowledge inherited from Komagatake, such as Yakushima aging and local barley, the quality of its spirits defies its young age.
This is an exceptionally fruity whisky. While it’s excellent neat or on the rocks, those who enjoy it with water or as a Twice Up should definitely try it to experience the evolution of its aroma and the lingering sweetness.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Tsunuki.
