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Whereas it’s lesser identified than Suntory or Nikka, Mars claims a distilling historical past that dates again to 1909, although it solely started producing whisky in 1949. Mars now operates two distilleries. Shinshu, the principle distillery, is tucked away at 2,625 ft within the Nagano Alps and is Japan’s highest whisky distillery. Tsunuki relies in Kagoshima on Kyushu island, positioned close to the southwest tip of Japan. A 3rd web site, Yakushima, is at present used for growing old barrels however will likely be used as a location for future manufacturing.
Mars lately launched three new whiskies, every of which we assessment right here.
Mars Whisky Iwai 45 – Named for Kiichiro Iwai (ee-why), a key advisor that bought Mars into whisky distilling. It is a mix of 30% malt from Shinshu and 70% grain whisky (purportedly heavy on corn) from elsewhere, no less than a few of apparently sourced. Surprisingly fruity and floral, that is punchy stuff with complicated aromas of citrus peel, maple syrup, canned pears, and a moderated wooden character. The palate folds in additional flowery notes, a mixture of potpourri and contemporary cedar, with a honeyed sweetness and a buttery popcorn character evident on the end. Superb depth and many enjoyable, particularly at this value. 90 proof. A- / $35 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Mars Whisky Komagatake 2020 – For 2020, this annual launch is a single malt aged for no less than three years in sherry casks and American white oak barrels. Woody and austere, the cereal is a bit overbearing on the nostril, and alongside a reasonably boozy fragrant profile, issues come throughout as a bit rustic. The palate finds its fruity footing and a few nutty parts — there’s no scarcity of sherry on this one, with strong notes of spiced citrus all through — nevertheless it’s all tempered a bit by the woody barrel affect. Sharp and pungent at full power, water helps to mood the beast, coaxing out a mild chocolate and maple observe on the end. 100 proof. B+ / $169
Mars Whisky Tsunuki the First – The inaugural launch from Mars’ southern distillery can be a 3 12 months outdated single malt aged in bourbon barrels and sherry casks. Whereas the nostril doesn’t instantly connote sweetness, connoting reasonably a clearer cereal observe and its appreciable warmth, the whisky rapidly exhibits off its sugary core as soon as you’re taking that first sip. You may instantly style the way in which the decrease altitude comes into play right here, including some saline right into a palate that rapidly focuses on extra dessert-like parts of vanilla, spiced chai, and sugar syrup. Once more there’s a maple observe on the end, which appears to be a part of the home type at Mars. Water, and this whisky can stand a variety of it, brings issues into clearer focus, though it by no means actually strays from its singular mission. The value, nonetheless, is asking loads. 118 proof. B+ / $220
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Mars Whisky Iwai 45
$35
