Komagatake Tsunuki Aging 2019 Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Mars Shinshu (to give it its full name) is a three-hour drive northwest towards the Southern Alps. The distillery sits at 800 meters (2625 ft) which makes it the highest distillery in Japan. Better known as Mars distillery, it opened in 1985 using stills made for a mothballed distillery called Yamananashi. The distillery then closed in 1992 and reopened again in 2011. It is now newly renovated and looking very modern and clean.

Barrels are stored onsite and in other regions of Japan to help experience less fluctuation in temperature.

This whisky spent most of its time maturing at the Tsunuki Distillery at the southern tip of Japan helping it to mature faster there than at the Shinshu Distillery. Three types of cask were used in maturation, ex-Bourbon American Oak, ex-Sherry European Oak and casks which contained Umeshu, a Japanese liqueur of Ume the Japanese plum.

Bottled at 56% abv.

Nose: Delicatessen, lemon zest, and vanilla. Toffee sweetness with earthy honey and peppery spice.
Palate: Manuka honey, dried stone fruits, and smoked meats, lemon citrus with a slightly maritime saltiness.
Finish: Earthy with lemon citrus, salted caramel, and charred oak.