Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the towering Central Alps, at an elevation of over 2,600 feet, lies Mars Shinshu, Japan's highest whisky distillery. For more than a century, the Hombo family has been perfecting the art of distilling, and in 1949, they added whisky to their impressive repertoire.
Originally situated in the Tsunuki region of Kagoshima Prefecture, on the southernmost island of Kyushu, the distillery was renowned for producing the most southern whisky in Japan until 1984. However, in 1984, the Hombo clan made the bold decision to relocate the distillery to the picturesque alpine village of Miyada in southern Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan. This move was driven by their desire to create a unique whisky that reflected the pristine surroundings of the area.
The new location was carefully chosen for its cool climate, which slowed the maturation process, and the abundant soft granite-filtered snowmelt fed aquifers, ensuring only the purest water was used in the distilling process. The result was a beautiful and harmonious marriage of nature and whisky.
In 2016, Hombo Shuzo welcomed the reopening of their first distillery in Kagoshima, now known as the Mars Tsunuki Distillery, making it once again the southernmost distillery in Japan. The addition of new pot stills has allowed for a broader range of whisky to be produced, with a focus on creating unique and innovative flavours.
To complement their already exceptional spirits, the Hombo family also built an aging facility on the enchanting Yakushima island, a National World Heritage site. This facility now ages whisky from both the Shinshu and Tsunuki distilleries, adding yet another layer of distinctiveness to their already exceptional products.
Experience the unparalleled taste and quality of Iwai whisky, crafted with passion and expertise by the Hombo family for over a century. Allow yourself to be transported to the beautiful and serene setting of Mars Shinshu, through each sip of their exceptional whisky.
