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Shinshu Mars Whisky
Any connoisseur in search of a distinctive spirit, from packaging to taste, needs to try Shinshu Mars whisky. Matured in bourbon, oak and sherry casks, you should expect a complex tasting experience. You may even notice hints of forest and peat, and a vanilla finish.
Found in Miyata on Kuyshu Island, Shinshu distillery, or Mars Komagatake distillery, was founded in 1872 by Hombo Shuzo. Unfortunately, a crash in the whisky market caused production to halt in 1992. It wasn’t until 2011 when the distillery was reopened.
Mars Shinshu Distillery
Mars Shinshu distillery is a leading producer of Japanese whisky, and the process explains why. Starting with a strong beer wash, which is distilled in both a wash and spirit still. Each batch is then barrelled for two to five years, ageing in a humid, rainy environment on Yakushima Island.
There is no better way to experience Mars whisky than pairing with traditional Japanese dishes. We recommend sharing a sushi platter with wagashi for dessert. For a light snack, try a bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits that will bring out those deeper flavours.
Mars Whisky is produced at two distilleries, the Mars Shinshu Distillery in Miyada village and the Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima. Mars Shinshu is situated at over 800 meters in the Japan Alps, benefiting from granite-filtered water and a distinct alpine climate. Mars Tsunuki is located in the southernmost region of Kyushu, producing heavier malts influenced by the coastal environment.
Mars Whisky offers a diverse range of Japanese whiskies, including both blended and single malts. Crafted at the Mars Shinshu and Mars Tsunuki distilleries, some popular bottles include the Mars Kasei Blended Whisky, Mars Maltage Distillery’s Original and Mars Shinshu Fubuki 2018.
Mars Whisky features a clean, smooth taste with subtle regional influences. While offering a variety of flavours, its whiskies are typically mellow, slightly sweet and easy to drink. They often have notes of vanilla, ripe fruits and gentle oak. The balanced profile makes them well-suited to Japanese preferences.