Shinshu Mars traces its roots back to 1872, when the Hombo Shuzo company was founded in Kagoshima, Japan. Originally focused on shochu and sake production, Hombo Shuzo eventually turned its attention to whisky, establishing the Shinshu Mars Distillery in 1985 in the Nagano Prefecture. Nestled in the Japanese Alps at approximately 792 metres above sea level, it holds the distinction of being Japan's highest distillery, located at the foot of Mount Kiso Komagatake in the village of Miyadamura. The distillery benefits from the cool mountain climate and pristine Alpine spring water, which contribute to its distinctive whisky character. Master craftsmen at Shinshu Mars use locally grown barley and unique distillation methods to craft their spirits. The portfolio is known for a style that balances mild sweetness with a hint of smoke, and expressions are typically matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The flagship Komagatake single malt has become the most celebrated release from the distillery, with annual and limited editions drawing significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Shinshu Mars also operates a second distillery, Tsunuki, located in Kagoshima, allowing the brand to explore contrasting regional styles across Japan. Thanks to the global surge of interest in Japanese whisky, Mars has grown from a lesser-known producer into a highly regarded name, with its limited releases often selling out rapidly and attracting strong secondary market demand.