Mars Komagatake 2020 Yakushima Ageing Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 53%          Age: No Age Statement         Country: Japan

Mars Shinshu (to give it it’s full name) is a three hour drive northwest towards the Southern Alps. The distillery sits at 800 metres (2625 ft) which makes it the highest distillery in Japan. Better known as Mars distillery, it opened in 1985 using stills made for a mothballed distillery called Yamananashi. The distillery then closed in 1992 and the reopened again in 2011. It is now newly renovated and looking very modern and clean. Barrels are stored onsite and in other regions of Japan to help experience less fluctuation in temperature.

This limited edition whisky from Mars was distilled at the Shinshu distillery and matured in ex Sherry and American white oak casks before being bottled at 50%.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Berry jam, tropical fruits of pineapple and passionfruits. Banana milkshake, nectarines and sea spray.

Palate: Charred pineapple, banana sweeties, vanilla slice and dark chocolate. Citrus and red summer fruits, maritime notes and pistachio.

Finish: Lemon citrus, sweet pastry, dusty oak and some soft earthy peat smoke.