Mars Komagatake Distillery

Overview of Mars Komagatake

Mars Distillery, owned by Hombo Shuzo Co Ltd, is a prominent name in the Japanese whisky industry, known  its high-quality spirits and innovative distilling techniques. 

marking the official beginning of Mars Whisky’s journey. 

Hombo Shuzo has been in the liquor business since 1872, but it wasn’t until 1949 that they obtained a license to distill whisky, marking the official beginning of Mars Whisky’s journey. 

 The distillery did not start producing whisky until 1960 

at a plant in Yamanashi, under the guidance of Kiichiro Iwai. Iwai, a pioneer in the Japanese whisky industry, was heavily influenced by Masataka Taketsuru’s experiences in Scotland, yet he crafted a whisky style distinctively his own, characterized by a heavier and smokier flavor which was quite bold for the Japanese palate at the time .

History of Mars Komagatake

 The style developed by Kiichiro Iwai didn’t align well with local tastes. 

Mars Whisky’s story is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Japanese whisky. The initial attempt to produce whisky began in 1960, but the style developed by Kiichiro Iwai didn’t align well with local tastes. 

Mars Shinshu Distillery in the Japanese Alps, 

The distillery relocated in 1984 to the Mars Shinshu Distillery in the Japanese Alps, seeking an environment conducive to slow maturation, thanks to its high altitude and soft water. 

Enviroment s is excelent landscape and water Alps

Japan and had to cease operations in 1992

Despite this strategic move, Mars faced challenges due to the declining whisky market in Japan and had to cease operations in 1992, only to reopen in 2011 amidst a global resurgence in the popularity of Japanese whisky .

Distillery benefits from the alpine climate and soft wate

Each location is strategically chosen for its unique environmental conditions, contributing to the distinct character of Mars Whisky. 

The Shinshu Distillery benefits from the alpine climate and soft water, producing lighter, more approachable whiskies, while the Tsunuki Distillery, with its coastal influences, tends to produce richer and heavier malts .

Mars has also ventured into gin production 

with the launch of Wa Bi Gin, a spirit that embodies the terroir of Kagoshima with local botanicals and a base of distilled rice. 

This gin represents a fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern distilling techniques, showcasing Mars’s commitment to innovation and quality .

Anecdote of Mars Komagatake

One notable figure in Mars Whisky’s history is Kiichiro Iwai, Mars Whisky’s founder, who had a significant impact on the development of whisky distillation in Japan. 

 Scotland to learn about whisky 

Iwai, having been Taketsuru’s superior, sent him to Scotland to learn about whisky production, which later influenced the creation of Mars Whisky. 

Experient to Scotland

Whiskies is a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit of its founders 

Mars Distillery’s journey from its early struggles to its position today as a producer of some of Japan’s most sought-after whiskies is a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit of its founders and the quality of its products.

Mars Whisky is celebrated for today. 

Iwai’s specifications, although initially not well-received by the Japanese market, laid the groundwork for a rich heritage and pioneering spirit that Mars Whisky is celebrated for today. His legacy continues with the Iwai Tradition Blended Whisky, a tribute to his contributions and vision .

Production  process of Mars Komagatake

Production method of MarsMars Whisky, produced by Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd., utilizes several special production methods that contribute to its unique character and quality:

1. High Altitude Distillation: 

Mars Shinshu Distillery, Japan’s highest whisky distillery, benefits from its location in the Japanese Alps at over 800 meters above sea level. The cooler temperatures at this altitude slow down the maturation process, allowing for a more delicate and nuanced flavor development.

 2. Diverse Water Sources: 

The soft water used in whisky production at the Mars Shinshu Distillery comes from mountain springs, contributing to the smooth and subtle taste of the whisky. The quality of water is crucial in whisky making, and Mars takes advantage of its pristine alpine water.

3 Climate Variation: 

Besides its Shinshu distillery, Mars operates the Tsunuki Distillery in a warmer, coastal location. The contrast in climates between the two distilleries allows Mars to produce whiskies with distinct profiles, from lighter, more approachable spirits to richer and heavier malts, thanks to the different aging conditions.

 4 Distillation Process. Supperior point of Mars Whisky

The illustration accurately represents the double distillation process as a functional diagram, capturing the essence of how Scotch whisky is produced through two stages of distillation:

1. First Distillation in the Wash Still: This stage involves separating alcohol from the wash, essentially concentrating the alcohol by removing water and other components.

2. Second Distillation in the Spirit Still: Here, the alcohol undergoes further purification. The distiller has the ability to select the “heart” of the distillate, which is the portion with the desired alcohol content and flavor profile for aging into whisky.

This diagram serves as a simplified representation of the process, focusing on the key functional steps involved in producing Scotch whisky through double distillation.

5 Focus on Quality and Innovation

• Innovation in Distillation: Mars Whisky’s approach to distillation emphasizes both tradition and innovation. The distillery experiments with different distilling and aging techniques, including the use of peated barley and various yeast strains, to create innovative whisky expressions. This dedication to exploring new methods while respecting traditional practices has helped Mars Whisky stand out in the Japanese whisky market.

6 Taisting scene

7 Copp Stills 

As of my last update in April 2023, specific details about the current stills used at Mars Shinshu Distillery, such as their exact number, design, or any recent changes to their distillation equipment, were not widely publicized. Mars Shinshu Distillery, known for its innovative approaches to whisky production, traditionally uses copper pot stills, a standard in the industry, particularly for single malt whisky production. These stills are valued for their ability to conduct heat efficiently and remove impurities, contributing significantly to the flavor profile of the whisky.

Mars Komagatake copper stills 

Mars Komagatake copper stills 

Mars Komagatake copper stills 

Mars Komagatake copper stills 

8 Varied Cask Aging: 

Mars Whisky is known for aging its whisky in a variety of casks, includingb, among others. This practice contributes to the complexity and variety of flavors in its whiskies, allowing for unique expressions that stand out in the market.

Mars Komagatake Casks

Mars Komagatake Casks

Innovation and Experimentation: 

Mars continuously experiments with different distilling and aging techniques, including the use of peated barley and various yeast strains, to create innovative whisky expressions. This commitment to experimentation and innovation is a hallmark of their production process.

 10 Limited Editions and Special Releases: 

Mars frequently releases limited editions and special cask-finished whiskies, which often showcase the distillery’s creative approach to whisky making and cask management.

Aroma of Mars Komagatake

The aroma of Mars Komagatake whisky is a sophisticated blend that reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Upon the first inhale, you are greeted with a rich bouquet of fruity notes, predominantly apple and pear, which provide a fresh and vibrant character. These initial aromas are complemented by subtler hints of citrus, adding a zesty brightness to the profile.

As the aroma develops, a deeper layer of sweetness emerges, characterized by warm vanilla and caramel notes. These sweet tones are delicately balanced by a soft touch of malt, which adds a grounding element to the whisky’s aromatic profile.

The complexity of the aroma is further enhanced by a gentle presence of oak, a result of careful aging in premium casks. This oakiness introduces a slight spiciness, with nuances of cinnamon and clove, contributing to the whisky’s depth and richness. Finally, a faint whisper of smoke lingers in the background, adding a subtle yet distinctive character that completes the aromatic experience.

The overall aroma of Mars Komagatake whisky is inviting and well-rounded, offering a harmonious interplay of fruit, sweetness, spice, and subtle smoke—an olfactory journey that captures the essence of Japanese whisky-making tradition.

Award of Mars Komagatake

Mars Komagatake whiskies have received recognition at prestigious competitions, including the World Whiskies Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These awards highlight the quality and excellence of the Mars Komagatake range. For specific award details, you might consider visiting official competition websites or the Mars Shinshu Distillery’s official site. Will you create image

Food environment of Mars Komagatake

In the quiet of the evening, when the day begins to fade,A glass of Mars Komagatake, in the dimming light is laid.Nose to glass, a gentle nudge, a bouquet softly blooms,A dance of scents, both sweet and rich, the air it gently perfumes.

 beneath the moon’s soft light.

With just a sip, the world transforms, a melody so mellow,Richness spreads, a symphony, in amber tones and yellow.Through the nostrils, scents arise, a whispering delight,A story told in every drop, beneath the moon’s soft light.

Rich rock, a hearty pour, a solace for the meek.

A casual sip, a moment’s pause, a pleasure so divine,On the rocks, a treasure found, like discovering a fine wine.For moments when a little peace, a quiet joy you seek,Rich rock, a hearty pour, a solace for the meek.

on the rocks, we softly talk.

So here’s to those small pleasures, to the nights that softly rock,To Mars Komagatake, our key to unwind the lock.In every sip, a journey, a path we gladly walk,A simple joy, a glass in hand, on the rocks, we softly talk.

Beautiful women Whisky drinking scene

 Woman wearing a beautiful dress, enjoying Mars Komagatake whisky while sitting on the moon. The scene combines elegance with a surreal and dreamlike setting, capturing a moment of tranquility and sophistication amidst the grandeur of space.