Mars Shinshu Komagatake Tsunuki Aging 2020

This single malt whisky was distilled at Mars Shinshu distillery at Nagano and then aged in the stone warehouse of Mars Tsunuki distillery in Kagoshima, which is the southern most distillery in mainland of Japan.

This is a vatting of whisky aged in Bourbon barrels in the warmer climate of Kagoshima (compared to the Nagano region where it is distilled). 

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Citrus, candied lemon peel and hint of peat. 

Palate: Smooth and a very balanced sweetness.

Finish: Light smoke at the finish.

Mars Shinshu Distillery

Mars Shinshu Distillery is located high in the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of around 800 metres. Founded in 1985 by Hombo Shuzo Co, a company with a long history of producing sake and shochu, the distillery has a unique location that contributes to the maturation of their whiskies.

A unique feature of Mars Shinshu Distillery is the cool mountain climate, which ensures a slow and even maturation of the whiskies. The distillery uses pure mountain water from the nearby mountains, which contributes to the purity and finesse of their drinks. The whiskies mature in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry and wine casks, creating complex and layered flavour profiles.

Mars Shinshu whiskies are known for their smooth and elegant character, with notes of fruit, honey, vanilla and spices. The distillery's attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in every bottle, and they regularly experiment with different maturation methods and cask types to discover new flavours.

The combination of an idyllic location, high-quality ingredients and a strong commitment to quality makes Mars Shinshu Distillery a respected name in the world of Japanese whisky.