A Highly Limited Japanese Collectible
Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky

(700ml) (Elsewhere $215) ($179.99)

“There is little doubt that this special release will disappear quickly and enter the pantheon of unobtainable Japanese legends.”

— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer—

Japanese whisky has been taking the world by storm, and demand always seems to outpace supply, with no signs of slowing down. So, when we have a highly sought-after, limited edition in stock in any quantity, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops. The Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky picks up right where the best-selling 2020 rendition left off. This fabulous spirit is distilled and matured as a single malt in the small village of Miyada in Nagano prefecture, and the quality and authenticity here are unimpeachable. It’s common practice for other brands to bring in spirits from other countries and bottle them as Japanese or use a rice base to bump up production levels, so it’s often difficult to know when you’re getting true Japanese character and style. With Mars Shinshu, however, whiskey aficionados can rest assured, they’re getting the real deal. Like all previous releases, this one will disappear in a flash, so anyone looking to get in on the hottest trend in the world of collectible whiskey shouldn’t hesitate for a moment to lock in a healthy supply. While you’re at it, be sure to browse the table below for our complete selection of other offerings from this one-of-a-kind producer.

Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $215) ($179.95)

K&L Notes: The much-anticipated, limited-edition 2021 single malt release from Japan’s highest elevation distillery is finally here. The Mars Shinshu Komagatake is 100% distilled and matured in Nagano. It was patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry American oak sitting in the shadow of Mt. Komagatake, the largest peak in the Kiso mountain range. Prunes, honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits mark the nose and blend into a palate of sweet oranges, green melon, and dusty cocoa powder. The finish is long and smooth with notes of vanilla and persimmon. The United States will see just 3,456 bottles of this highly prized release. Nonchillfiltered and bottled at 48% ABV.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2021

The Hombo Shuzo company has a complicated history. They’ve been distillers for over 100 years, originally producing Shochu. In 1949, they founded a whisky distillery based on Masataka Taketsuru’s original still designs after his famous studies in Scotland. The original stills have been moved several times and decommissioned and recommissioned over the last 70 years, but today they operate at the Mars Shinshu distillery. Shinshu sits at nearly 800 meters below Mt. Komagatake, making it the highest altitude distillery in Japan and giving it unfettered access to impeccable mountain water. It is one of two distilleries operated by the Hombo Shuzo parent company of Mars (the other being Tsunuki in the south).

While the Mars portfolio is tiny compared to the giants of Japanese whisky, their reputation for stunning quality is unquestioned. Here in the 2021 Komagatake LE release, it’s clear yet again that they are making some of the most compelling whiskies in Japan. The color is a striking liquid amber, and the smell of fruit leaps from the glass upon first pouring. There is a perfect balance to the nose—fruity, spicy, warm, lifted, and a touch floral. Fresh apricots and dried persimmons mingle with cinnamon, vanilla, and golden apples. Stone fruit blossoms heavy with sweet nectar make for a nice contrast to the lower earthy tones that shyly hide underneath all the fruit. Honey and salted nuts come to mind.

The palate softens even further and nose brings out more overt sherry notes and hints at fresh grass. The finish is just a skosh hot, but in a very pleasant way, not overwhelming at all, just brash enough to be noticeable. All in all, this is an exceptional dram, and unlike so many Japanese labels on the market today, it’s actually made wholly in Japan by a company with a long history of production. The high-altitude aging at the Shinshu distillery in Nagano is arguably perfect for slow and complex development of flavors. There is little doubt that this special release will disappear quickly and enter the pantheon of unobtainable Japanese legends.

Also Available from Mars Shinshu:

We’re extremely fortunate to have such broad access to what K&L spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley calls “some of the most compelling whiskies in Japan,” and while the lion’s share of attention is paid to the highly coveted Limited Edition series (and rightly so), we encourage our savvy spirits clientele to get very familiar with the depth of offerings from one of our favorite distilleries in the world.