Hombo Shuzo’s Mars Tsunuki Distillery has released a whisky series sold exclusively for hometown tax donations. We review the labels and taste.
This art collection series features bottles labeled with artwork inspired by the beautiful nature of Minamisatsuma-City or works by artists from the city.
It is a limited-edition whisky available only through hometown tax donations of ¥43,000 or more, featuring the former Hombo family residence “Houjo” adjacent to the Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima.
1. Bottle photos and where to buy
Single Malt Tsunuki Minamisatsuma Art Collection #04 “SAKURAJIMA”
Single malt TSUNUKI Minamisatsuma Art Collection #04 “SAKURAJIMA”
2. Single Malt Tsunuki Minamisatsuma Art Collection #04
Mars Tsunuki Distillery Limited Single Malt Whisky
Minamisatsuma-City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a city rich in history and scenery, blessed with the white sands and green pines of Fukiage Beach and a beautiful, varied rias coastline.a city steeped in history and scenery, nurtured by its rich natural environment.
This product features an art label series showcasing works themed around Minamisatsuma-City or created by artists from the city.Collection #04 features “Sakurajima” by Japanese painter Kou Shimomura, a native of Minamisatsuma-City.
Collection #04 features “Sakurajima” by Japanese-style painter Kou Shimomura, a native of Minamisatsuma-City.Inspired by the powerful energy felt in this work, the Tsunuki Distillery blender has crafted a special“Single Malt Tsunuki” blended by the Tsunuki Distillery, along with its label.
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2-1. Tasting Notes
Aroma Orange peel, honeyed apple, La France pear, honey biscuit Taste Banana bread, elderflower, green notes After taste Tsunuki’s characteristic aromatic and sticky sweetness lingers as a long finish. 2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 49% |
| Types of Alcohol | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Barrel Type | Not disclosed |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | Distillery Exclusive: ¥12,100 / Hometown Tax Donation Gift Value: ¥43,000 |
| Number of Bottles | Unknown |
3. Awards
World Whisky Awards (WWA) 2026
Category Winner Gold Medal. “Best Japanese Small Batch Single Malt”.
4. List Price and Online Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (List price)
| Product Name | Single Malt Tsunuki Minamisatsuma Art Collection #04 ‘Sakurajima’ |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | ¥12,100 (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
Resale prices on Mercari have recently been around ¥17,500. (As of 2/17/2026)
4-3. Yahoo! Auctions Winning Bid Price
No current Yahoo Auctions winning bids were found. (As of 2025/1/28)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
No listings were found on these online shopping sites. Purchases are possible via Rakuten’s hometown tax donation program. (As of January 28, 2025)
4-5. Price at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinai,” operated by this site, we offer small portions such as 45ml for ¥3,630, 30ml for ¥2,420, and 15ml for ¥1,210.
5. Manufacturer
Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1872 |
| Headquarters | 891-0122; 3-27 Minamisakae, Kagoshima-City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Distilleries Owned | Mars Shinshu Distillery, Mars Tsunuki Distillery |
6. Distilleries
Mars Tsunuki Distillery
| Location | 6594 Tsunuki, Kaseda, Minamisatsuma-City, Kagoshima Prefecture 899-3611 |
| Start of Operations | 2016 |
Kaseda, Minamisatsuma-City, “ Tsunuki “. Nestled within the lush mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula’s southwest lies Mars Tsunuki Distillery, the southernmost whisky distillery on the mainland.
Tsunuki, located in the southwestern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, lies in a long, narrow basin along the Kaseda River, a tributary of the Manose River. Surrounded by Mount Kurata (475m) to the east and Mount Chouya (513m) to the west, its basin-like terrain makes summers hot and winters exceptionally harsh for southern Satsuma.
Blessed with high-quality water resources (Mount Kurata Spring Water) and a natural environment that could be called a “gift from heaven,” the area also thrives on mandarin orange cultivation, effectively utilizing the mountain slopes. These mandarin orange are known as “Tsunuki mandarin orange.”
Tsunuki, blessed with a warm climate and high-quality water resources, is the birthplace of Hombo Shuzo. For over a century since beginning shochu production using Satsuma’s representative specialty, the “Satsumaimo”, we have thoroughly understood this land’s water and climate. Now, in Tsunuki, where the tradition of sake brewing is carried on, we are dedicated to whisky production.
Source: Mars Tsunuki Distillery Official Website
7. Summary
An art collection series available only through hometown tax donations or at the Tsunuki Distillery. Each release features unique innovations; this time, it primarily uses base spirits made with [liquid yeast].
Even after 10 years, the Tsunuki Distillery continues its vigorous research and experimentation.
Its fruity, rich sweetness is truly addictive.
Be sure to check out our other articles about “Tsunuki” as well.
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