MARS Tsunuki Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Region: Japan

Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery (Hombo Shuzo co., Ltd.) 

Age: 2017-2022, mainly from 2020/2021

ABV: 49%

Cask: Primarily Bourbon & Sherry

Size: 700ml

The 2026 Edition of Single Malt Tsunuki is composed of carefully selected malt whiskies, matured in a variety of casks, with a focus on bourbon and sherry casks.
This release marks the fifth in the Annual Edition series and the seventh overall, including “The First” and “Peated.” It reflects the continued evolution of Tsunuki’s house style, balancing fruity vibrancy with depth and energy.

The label design pays tribute to the distillery’s original tower, set against the serene natural beauty that surrounds Tsunuki.

Crafted at the Mars Tsunuki Distillery, nestled in the lush mountains southwest of the Satsuma Peninsula, the whisky benefits from a distinctive basin-like climate with marked temperature variations, as well as pristine spring water sourced from Mt. Kurata—ideal conditions for maturation.

Tasting Note:
Nose: Rich and vibrant, with aromas reminiscent of cheesecake and orangettes, gently layered with soft white smoke.
Palate: Juicy fruit notes, like pear compote, harmoniously balanced with the nutty richness of almond chocolate.
Finish: Lingering impressions of vibrant fruit lead into a long, full-bodied finish with depth and complexity.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery (Hombo Shuzo co., Ltd.) 

Age: 2017-2021

ABV: 49%

Cask: Primarily Bourbon & Sherry

Size: 700 ml

Discover the 2025 Edition from Tsunuki, Hombo Shuzo's innovative second distillery nestled in Kagoshima, Kyushu. This year's annual release marks the fourth in the series, crafted from carefully selected malt whiskies matured across bourbon and sherry casks. After eight years of dedicated experimentation, Tsunuki has perfected a harmonious blend that showcases their commitment to quality. Expect an inviting nose of raisins, orange peel, and chocolate notes, followed by a palate of cacao and bright citrus freshness. The finish delivers a gentle smokiness balanced with lingering sweetness—a testament to Tsunuki's evolving mastery of maturation and blending.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery

Age: N/A

ABV: 50% 

Cask: Bourbon barrels

Size: 700 ml

Mars Tsunuki distillery is the second distillery of the Hombo Shuzo Group, launched in 2016. This is the 2023 release by the Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima (where with a wide range of temperatures and blessed with high quality spring water from the Mt. Kurata mountain), with a release of 35,800 bottles. This is the 4th product release of single malt whisky distilled at Tsunuki (The Second Release of the Annual 'Year Edition').

Matured in the bourbon barrels for about 6 years. Nose: Marmalade jam along with sweet notes of honey, pancake, and a subtle smoke Palate: Citrus fruits, lemon peel and fresh malt Finish: Full-bodied sweetness balanced by a pleasant bitterness.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Tsunuki Distillery, Kagoshima

Age: NAS

ABV: 52% 

Cask: Bourbon barrel

Size: 700 ml

Released in 2022 as a special bottling to commemorate the 6th Anniversary of the Mars Tsunuki Distillery. This special release is a vatting of 3 ex-Bourbon barrels with only 657 bottles being released in total.  Winning a Gold medal on 2023 World Whiskies Award.

Tasing Note: Nose: Vanilla, sweet citrus fruits. Palate: Vanilla, cream, chocolate. Finish: Clean sweetness, bourbon barrel aroma.

The "Tsunuki Distillery Festival", traditionally held every November, was canceled in its festival format on 2021 due to the new coronavirus. In its place, a special commemorative bottle was released for the 6th anniversary, marketed as the "Tsunuki Distillery Festival Limited Edition," which has been available annually.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Tsunuki Distillery, Kagoshima

Age: About 3 Years

ABV: 59% (Natural Cask Strength)

Cask: Bourbon barrel

Size: 700 ml

The first single malt whisky released from the newly built Tsunuki Distillery which was built in 2016.  Distilled in 2016/17, Tsunuki The First has been matured in bourbon barrels and bottled at a natural cask strength of 59% ABV.

Nose: warm toasted pecan, vanilla honey sponge cake, orange marmalade, rich butter toffee sauce Palate: mouth coating, citrus, gingery peppery spice, milk chocolatey sweetness, ginger bread, red dates Finish: long, tingling with gingery spice and walnuts. Rated 88 points on WhiskyFun (Link Here) and Rated 88 points on Whiskybase (Link Here). A total of 9984 bottles were released.

本坊酒造繼信州蒸餾所(Mars Shinshu Distillery)之後, 於2016年回到自己的發跡之地 - 鹿兒島 建立第二間蒸餾所 - 津貫蒸餾所( Mars Tsunuki Distillery), 更是現今日本最南端的蒸餾所. 溫暖的氣候令Angel's Share 高達6%, 但變相木桶熟成速度大大加快, 從而造出強勁豐厚的威士忌. 這次首發的單一麥芽威士忌是選用了首兩年蒸餾後的新酒, 在波本桶(Bourbon Cask)中陳年, 於2020年入瓶, 全球限量9984瓶.

聞上去濃郁柑橘類水果香氣，緊接香草和新鮮麵包香氣.

入口是豐厚的口感帶有蜂蜜甜味、柑橘類水果, 薑類胡椒類的辣感.

後段綿長柔和的朱古力奶甜味及淡淡薑味香料.

 Region: Japan

Distillery: Shinshu Mars

Age: 3 Years

ABV: 59% (Natural Cask Strength)

Cask: Bourbon barrel

Size: 700 ml

Region: Japan

Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery & Mars Shinshu

Age: N/A (2017-2019）

ABV: 49% 

Cask: Bourbon barrel

Size: 700 ml

This is the 2nd release of Mars The Y.A. Released in 2023 YA refers to Yakushima Aging Cellars located on Yakushima Island (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Kagoshima, Japan. The Y.A. #02 uses Malt Whisky distilled at the 2 distilleries owned by Hombo Shuzo at its Shinshu Distillery in Nagano & Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima. 

Sun-ripened fruits combine with the sea breeze and soft white smoke. Palate: A thick flavor develops with smoky and mineral notes. Finish: A rich oily taste lingers long.

Rated 85+ Points on WhiskyBase.

Yakushima Aging Cellar was established in 2016. This unique expression showcases the complexity of the spirit by blending two different spirits from their 2 owned distilleries matured at a 3rd site.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery & Mars Shinshu

Age: N/A

ABV: 52% 

Cask: Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Size: 700 ml

This is the 1st release of Mars The Y.A. which refers to the Yakushima Aging Cellars located on Yakushima Island (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Kagoshima, Japan. The Y.A. #01 uses Malt Whisky distilled at the 2 distilleries owned by Hombo Shuzo at its Shinshu Distillery in Nagano & Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima which have been matured in mostly ex-Bourbon Barrels and blending to create a unique expression of fruity aroma. 

This unique expression showcases the complexity of the spirit by blending two different spirits from their 2 owned distilleries matured at a 3rd site. Yakushima Aging Cellar was established in 2016.

This bottling is rated 86+ on Whiskybase.