Mars Komagatake Shinshu Aging 2021 – 48%

Two distilleries, three cask warehouses, one brand: Mars distils varied single and blended malts – and plays with the influences of three different climate zones in Japan. The Mars Shinshu headquarters is located in Japan’s cold, humid Alps. Whiskies mature slowly here at temperatures as low as -15°C. Tsunuki, on the other hand, the second distillery, is at home in the subtropical south of the country, where distillates are exposed to temperatures ranging from -2°C to 36°C. Finally, in the barrel store on the island of Yakushima, the Japanese whisky develops distinctly maritime notes at up to 76 per cent humidity.

The latest single malt from Mars comes entirely from the Shinshu distillery, where it was matured in bourbon and sherry casks. As part of the exclusive Komagatake range, it is a rare special bottling – and a signpost: the Mars Shinshu Komagatake Single Malt Limited Edition 2021 is the evolution of the range, in development since 2018 and defining the future style of single malt. Accordingly, the whisky combines common characteristics of the series. Elegant and oily, it unfolds intense fruit notes from apricot to melon to persimmon as well as nutty sherry aromas at 48% vol.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: fruity aroma of quince, apricot and banana as well as vanilla cream.
• Palate: honey and hazelnut from the sherry casks combine with the gentle sweetness of melon and persimmon fruits.
• Finish: soft and clear.