Iwai Mars Japanese Whisky

Mars Shinshu is Japan's highest whisky distillery, at over 2,600 feet, nestled between Japan’s Southern and Central Alps. Mars Shinshu is owned by the Hombo family, who have been in the business of distillation for over a century. Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production lineup in 1949.

This whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as “The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky,” and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky. Iwai sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making. Taketsuru returned to Japan, presenting a whisky-making report ― the Taketsuru Notes ― to Iwai. Taketsuru was the first Japanese to learn the art of whisky-making. Mars Shinshu’s whiskies continue to be some of the most inexpensive Japanese whiskies on the market, and they are full of high-quality character and complex flavor.

Mars Iwai Blue Label Whisky takes its cues from bourbon. Its mash bill is heavy on the corn (around 75%) with light malt providing balance. Aged in ex-bourbon casks, the 80-proof expression is floral and fruity with oak, vanilla, and caramel notes.

Delicate nose of cinnamon and brûléed sugar; palate of Red Delicious apple skin and English breakfast tea with pleasant tannin on the finish

Aged between 2–5 years in ex-bourbon barrels

Blend: 70% corn and 30% malted barley

40% ABV / 80 Proof

750 ML