MARS
WHISKY

MARS Whisky was born
in 1949

The history of Mars Whisky began shortly after the end of World War II in 1949.

Just two years after the restoration of the main office and Tsunuki manufacturer, which were completely destroyed during air raids, Mars obtained a license to manufacture whisky. Under the guidance of advisor Kiichiro Iwai, the first-ever whisky was produced. In 1960, as a base for Western liquor production, the Yamanashi manufacturer was completed, marking Mars’ full-scale entry into the whisky business. The brand "Mars" was born through a public competition for a Western liquor brand.

Recovery of the Tsunuki manufacturer, which was completely destroyed in the air raid of 1945, just two years later in 1947, starting whisky production as a new business The history of the Hombo family's whisky dates back to 1949, shortly after the end of the war
Post-War Whisky MARS

Hombo family distilled spirits

The Hombo family, known for their expertise in shochu making (established by seven brothers), played a foundational role. The youngest brother, Hombo Kurakichi, studied at Osaka Imperial University’s Faculty of Engineering and became an apprentice to Kiichiro Iwai, a leading expert in alcohol distillation techniques and a lecturer in the alcoholic beverage industry. Focusing on the theme of "distillation apparatus", Kurakichi conducted research and, by fate, became the son-in-law of Iwai. In 1945, Iwai assumed the role of consultant at Hombo Shuzo.

In 1949, under Iwai’s leadership, Kurakichi assumed responsibility for whisky production. Kurakichi, under the guidance of his mentor and father-in-law Iwai, contributed significantly to the establishment of manufacturing technologies and quality improvement across the Hombo Group companies while managing the business, laying the groundwork for the eventual creation of Mars Whisky.

Craft Distillation by the Hombo Family

HISTORY OF
MARS WHISKY

1949
Whisky production begins

Under the guidance of Iwai Kiichiro, whisky production began in Kagoshima.

In the year 1949, the whisky business of Hombo Shuzo began.

Start of Whisky Production

1960
Birth of Mars Brand

Production in Kagoshima was transferred to Yamanashi Manufacturer (now Mars Yamanashi Winery).

Under the design and guidance of Iwai Kiichiro, malt base spirit distillation began in Yamanashi.

The brand "Mars Whisky" was introduced and sold.

Established Yamanashi Manufacturer as the base for Western liquor production, starting the production of whisky and wine in Yamanashi.

Birth of Mars Brand in Yamanashi

1969

Resumed whisky production in Kagoshima and restarted malt whisky distillation.

1972

Paused malt whisky distillation at the Yamanashi Manufacturer.

1982

Local whisky boom led to an increase in shipments.

Arrival of Local Whisky Boom

1984

Paused malt whisky distillation in Kagoshima to consolidate in Shinshu.

1985
Establishment of Mars Shinshu Distillery

The whisky equipment was relocated from Yamanashi, and the Mars Shinshu Distillery (now Mars Komagatake Distillery) was established.

Commenced malt whisky distillation in Shinshu.

Seeking an optimal natural environment for whisky making, Mars Shinshu Distillery was established at the foot of Mt. Komagatake in the Central Alps, Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of 798m.

Establishment of Mars Shinshu Distillery

1989

Revisions in liquor tax laws, including the abolishment of whisky classification.

1992

Due to declining demand, suspended distillation at Mars Shinshu Distillery and focused on marketing stored malt whisky.

Focus on Marketing Stored Base Spirits

1995

Released the Single Malt Whisky "Mars Komagatake 10 Years", named after the Central Alps’ "Mt. Komagatake".

Mars Komagatake 10 Years

2008

Highball boom contributes to the recovery of whisky demand.

Highball Boom, Recovery of Whisky Demand

2010

Launched the blended whisky "Iwai Tradition" with gratitude towards Iwai Kiichiro.

Iwai Tradition
※Current product after renewal.

2011
After 19 years, distillation resumes

Mars Shinshu Distillery resumed malt whisky distillation after a hiatus of 19 years.

Released "Mars Maltage 3+25 28 Years", aged for 25 years in Nagano using 3-year malt whisky from Kagoshima and Yamanashi.

Resumption of Distillation After 19 Years

2013

Received the "WORLD’S BEST" award at the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) for "Mars Maltage 3+25 28 Years".

Received the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 'World's Best' Award

2014

After 3 years since resuming distillation, released "The Revival 2011 Single Malt Komagatake" from aged malt whisky.

The Revival 2011 Single Malt Komagatake

2016
Completed in Tsunuki, Yakushima.

Completed Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar at Yakushima Denshogura.

Constructed Mars Tsunuki Distillery in the birthplace of Hombo Shuzo, resuming malt whisky distillation in Kagoshima after 32 years.

Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar
Mars Tsunuki Distillery

2017

Awarded "Craft Producer of the Year" at the Icons of Whisky (IOW) 2017, a global whisky contest.

Awarded 'Craft Producer of the Year' at Icons of Whisky (IOW) 2017

2020

Released "Single Malt Tsunuki THE FIRST" from Mars Tsunuki Distillery.

Completion of the renewal of Mars Shinshu Distillery. New whisky distillation and visitor facilities were added.

Single Malt Tsunuki THE FIRST

2022

Released "MARS The Y.A." using stored malt whisky from Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar.

MARS The Y.A.

2023

Awarded "Best in Class Japanese Whisky" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023, a global spirits competition.

Awarded 'Best in Class Japanese Whisky' at SFWSC 2023

2024

The distillery name was changed from Mars Shinshu Distillery to Mars Komagatake Distillery.

Mars Komagatake Distillery

MARS Logo

Harmony of Nature, Time, and Human Effort

After more than 70 years of whisky production, Hombo Shuzo Mars Whisky has become a distillery with two distilleries producing diverse malt whisky and three aging cellars where they mature in distinct natural environments.

We pursue "unique Hombo quality" in our different natural environments and technological harmony.

Hombo Shuzo’s Mars Whisky