Mars Iwai Tradition US Import Japanese Blended Whisky (2024) 75cl

Mars Iwai Tradition is a malt-dominant blended whisky from the Mars (マルス) Whisky brand. It takes the mash bill of the standard Iwai (岩井) Blended and flips it to 75% malted barley and 25% corn. A touch of the malt is peated. Aging of this NAS whisky occurs in ex-Bourbon, Sherry, and wine casks.

In the glass, Mars Iwai Tradition has a bronze color and a moderate aromatic intensity. It’s also slightly drier than the regular Iwai with a faint whiff of herbal smoke. Notes include: honeyed malt, prunes, red raisin, banana, orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, toffee, and burnt brown sugar. Overall, Mars Iwai Tradition is a fairly serious blended Japanese whisky.

This is malt driven spirit is truly a reflection of contemporary Japanese whisky. Incredibly balanced, soft and layered. A blending of sherry, bourbon and wine casks with hints delicate hints of peat make for a harmonious whisky that would make Iwai-san proud.

Japan's highest distillery at 800 meters in Miyata village in Nagano Prefecture, situated between the north and south Alps of Japan. Mars Shinshu distillery was founded in 1985 by Hombo Shuzo Ltd. Tasting notes of ripe cherry, honey toffee with a beautiful ginger spice.

Mars chose its high altitude location in the mountains for its moderate humidity and high quality water. This blend consists of mostly malt and some grain. The whisky is aged in bourbon, sherry, and wine barrels.

About Mars

Mars Whisky is a Japanese brand by Hombo Shuzo, known for its distinct distilleries and diverse whisky profiles. The brand operates the Komagatake Distillery in the high-altitude Japanese Alps, producing delicate whiskies, and the Tsunuki Distillery in the subtropical south of Kyushu, which crafts more robust, smoky spirits. Their whisky is often characterized by pure water sources, unique climates, and innovative techniques, resulting in smooth, balanced whiskies with notes of fruit, spice, and oak.

40% ABV

75cl