Hombo Shuzo — Whiskypedia

The company in brief

Hombo Shuzo is a Japanese alcoholic beverage company with a long history, primarily known for its shochu production. The company expanded into whisky production in the mid-20th century, establishing the Mars Whisky brand. It operates two main whisky distilleries: Mars Shinshu in Nagano Prefecture and Mars Tsunuki in Kagoshima Prefecture. Hombo Shuzo is recognized for producing a range of Japanese whiskies, including the popular Mars Komagatake series.

Timeline

1872 Hombo Shuzo was founded, initially focusing on shochu production.
1949 The company began producing whisky.
1960 Hombo Shuzo built its first dedicated whisky distillery in Yamanashi Prefecture.
1985 The Mars Shinshu Distillery was established in Miyada village, Nagano Prefecture.
1992 Whisky production at Mars Shinshu Distillery was temporarily halted due to low demand.
2011 Whisky production resumed at the Mars Shinshu Distillery.
2016 The Mars Tsunuki Distillery was established in Kagoshima Prefecture.