High up in Miyata village on Kuyshu Island is the Shinshu distillery (aka "Mars"), founded in 1985 by Hombo Shuzo Ltd, a producer of shochu since 1872. Shinshu’s whisky is distilled only during the island's harsh winters. In operation from 1985-1992 and then 2011 to present, this is actually Shuzo's third domestic distillery. The previous have been the Yamanashi Distillery (1960-1969) and the Mars Kagoshima Distillery (1978-1984).
The main single malt brand from the current operation is sold under the 'Komagatake' label, named after a nearby mountain. It's available in a variety of single cask expressions. This rare bottling was distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2006. Matured in American white oak, it is limited to 430 bottles worldwide.
