Mars Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky

Situated between Japan’s Southern and Central Alps at an elevation of 798 meters, or slightly over 2,600 feet, Mars Shinshu is the country’s tallest whisky distillery. The Hombo family, who have been involved in distillation for more than a century, owns Mars Shinshu.

Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production line up in 1949. Shinshu made the decision in 1984 to relocate their southernmost Kyushu distillery to the charming alpine village of Miyada, where the cool environment and high elevation provide ideal circumstances for whisky production. The water used to make the whisky is rich in natural minerals and flows through granite rock.

The inventor of Nikka and Suntory Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, was mentored by Kiichiro Iwai, dubbed “The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky,” and this whisky bears his name. Taketsuru was dispatched to Scotland by Iwai to study the craft of whisky production. When Taketsuru returned to Japan, he gave Iwai the Taketsuru Notes, a report on whisky production. The first person from Japan to learn how to make whisky was Taketsuru.

The whiskies from Mars Shinshu are still among the most affordable Japanese whiskies available, yet they have a rich flavor and excellent character. The mixed whisky known as Iwai Tradition is made up of single malts, grains, and blended Japanese whiskies.

Distilled from a high corn mash consisting of 75% maize and 25% barley, Mars Iwai 45 is a higher proof version of the original spirit that has a pronounced bourbon influence and a unique flavor profile. It is matured in former Bourbon casks.

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Notes on Tasting

The nose starts with flavors of butterscotch and vanilla, then baked apples and strawberries. Ripe pears, quince, chocolate, and toffee all contribute to the flavor’s pleasing sweetness. The sweetness lingers in the conclusion.

Concerning Japanese whiskey​

Even though it might not be the first spirit that comes to mind when someone mentions Japan, the Japanese produce some of the best whisky in the world. Although it has softer, more delicate aromas, it is strongly inspired by best Japanese whisky​ scotch.

Japanese whisky​ has only been around for a hundred years, yet in that short time, Japanese single and blended malts have swept the globe and are now able to compete with whiskies from all around the world.

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