Mars Tsunuki Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima is a whisky-making chapter of Hombo Shuzo's long Japanese distilling history. Established in 2016 in the birthplace of the family firm, Tsunuki brings copper-pot whisky production to a valley better known historically for shochu.
In this guide
Distillery at a glance
History, owners and key people
How the whisky is made
Bottle range and releases
Awards, visiting and tours
Reader poll and frequently asked questions
Sources and image credits
Summarise this guide with AI
Mars Tsunuki Distillery at a glance
History of Mars Tsunuki Distillery
Hombo Shuzo has produced spirits around Tsunuki for more than a century. The modern Mars Tsunuki distillery opened in November 2016, bringing malt whisky distillation back to Kagoshima after a 32-year gap. Hombo also owns Mars Komagatake, a separate whisky distillery in Nagano.
Its first site-distilled single malt, TSUNUKI THE FIRST, appeared in 2020. A much older bottle labelled Komagatake Tsunuki Aging was distilled at Komagatake in 2013 and merely matured at Tsunuki; this distinction matters when tracing bottle provenance.
Ownership and key people
Hombo Shuzo, maker of Mars Whisky. This is based on the producer information available in October 2026; roles and shareholders can change.
How the whisky is made
Tsunuki sits among mountains in the Satsuma peninsula and uses water from the Kurata range. Its valley climate can be hot in summer yet exceptionally cool for southern Kagoshima in winter, producing varied cask maturation conditions.
Tsunuki single malt is made from malted barley in copper pot stills. The 2026 Edition is a 49% ABV vatting from primarily ex-bourbon and sherry casks, supplemented by smaller cask components. Producer tasting notes emphasise fruit and full body.
Mars Tsunuki Distillery whisky range
These are verified whisky expressions or historically significant releases. Where relevant the text distinguishes whisky distilled at the site from independent or sourced bottlings. Producer flavour notes do not replace an independent Whisky Clan tasting.
Single Malt TSUNUKI 2026 Edition
49% ABV, 700ml, limited Japanese single malt using mainly ex-bourbon and sherry-matured whisky.
Single Malt TSUNUKI 2025 Edition
49% ABV, earlier annual single malt release.
Single Malt TSUNUKI THE FIRST (2020)
Inaugural Tsunuki single malt at 59% ABV, now discontinued.
Single Malt KOMAGATAKE Tsunuki Aging (2016)
Komagatake-distilled whisky aged at Tsunuki; not made on the current Tsunuki stills.
Pictured: Single Malt TSUNUKI 2026 Edition. The photograph is of an actual bottle associated with the producer or independently bottled range, rather than a generic whisky glass.
Awards and milestones
Hombo Shuzo records Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition gold in 2021 for THE FIRST, and a 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition gold for TSUNUKI 2026 Edition.
Visiting Mars Tsunuki Distillery
Free self-guided whisky distillery visits are described by Hombo, with an approximately 30-minute walking route. The former Hombo home, Hojo, houses a whisky bar and shop. Opening is listed as 9am to 4pm, with holidays and group advance booking conditions.
As of 23 October 2026, prices, visitor hours, tours and stock can change. Always confirm arrangements with the producer.
Keep exploring Whisky Clan
Explore related whisky regions, production methods and bottle ranges through our other detailed guides.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Mars Tsunuki Distillery?
6594 Tsunuki, Kaseda, Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima
When did production begin?
November 2016
Who is behind the distillery?
Hombo Shuzo, maker of Mars Whisky
Which whiskies are associated with it?
Single Malt TSUNUKI 2026 Edition, Single Malt TSUNUKI 2025 Edition, Single Malt TSUNUKI THE FIRST (2020), Single Malt KOMAGATAKE Tsunuki Aging (2016). Check each release’s provenance and date.
Can you visit?
Free self-guided whisky distillery visits are described by Hombo, with an approximately 30-minute walking route. The former Hombo home, Hojo, houses a whisky bar and shop. Opening is listed as 9am to 4pm, with holidays and group advance booking conditions.
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Sources and image credits
Research and visitor details checked on 23 October 2026. External links and image credits are intentionally grouped at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches distilleries, production and bottles, and welcomes corrections supported by reliable sources.
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