Monthly Archives: November 2021

Mars Komagatake Single Malt Nature of Shinshu Shinanotanpopo 52%abv

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Nose: Caramel, vanilla, strawberries, strawberry shortbread, sherry, oak. Whisky barrel warehouse, raisins, currants, fig paste, nutmeg. More vanilla and sherry with water added plus a floral note.
Palate: Baking spices, strawberry shortbread, vanilla essence, honey. Peanuts, sharp cheddar with cracked pepper, sherry. Some tangy orange and a hint of banana with water added. Medium bodied.
Finish: Peanuts, oak, honey, then a decent hit of smoke comes out of nowhere. Finish starts a little flat with water added to start, then a buttery mouth feel and more smoke.
Last Word: Very well blended mix of bourbon, american white oak and sherry casks. Decent compexity when you throw in that latent smokey element.

Rating: 87/100

Mars Asagi Madara Blended Whisky 2020 Limited Edition 8YO 48%abv

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Nose: Toffee, plums, apricots, candied orange slices, raisins, honey, vanilla, pepper. An ever present floral note that floats over the top, some leather and bran. Elegant. Cadbury Crunchie and light oak with water added.
Palate: Rich and full bodied with long oily legs in the glass. Nutmeg, raisins, honey, plums, apricots, orange candies, brandy snaps, sweet tobacco. A nice hit of salt and pepper. Some banana with water added. Excellent balance.
Finish: Bran, cacoa powder, hint of new leather, chocolate milk. The finish is longer with water added plus some vanilla, leather, oak and banana candies.
Last Word: What a suprise packet. My favorite Mars Blend so far. Read the back label carefully and it indicates that only the Malt component was distilled by Mars. No matter, works a treat with whatever 8 year old grain whisky they used in the mix. Was an absolute bargain in Japan at around $50 retail. Highly recommended if you can still get it on the cheap.

Rating: 87/100