Tasting Notes
"The Sakura casks are sourced from Ariake Sangyo Co., Japans only independent cooperage. As an interesting aside, these casks are more rectangular in shape than circular due to the character of the wood. Honey, straw, and apricot jam with floral highlights on the nose transition to a brandy-like roundness on the palate with a finish of cotton candy and ripe red berries."


The Spirit
Limited, annual release blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu in Nagano, Japan
Iwai Tradition, from Mars Shinshus core range, finished in Sakura casks (Japanese cherry blossom tree) for an additional 6 months
Distilled from 70% malted barley and 30% corn
Iwai Tradition is non-age statement; aged primarily in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks (other cask types including ex-wine, port, & new oak may vary batch to batch)
Non-chill filtered; 40% ABV

The Distillery
The Hombo family, founder of Mars, began producing shochu in 1909, expanding their portfolio over the years to eventually include their most popular product, whisky. They obtained their whisky license in 1949 with the help of their advisor, Mr. Kiichiro Iwai, an icon in the rise of Japanese whisky.

Currently, Mars has two distilleries and an additional aging site. Mars Shinshu, the main distillery, is tucked away at 2,625 ft in the Nagano Alps, making it Japans highest whisky distillery. Naganos heavy snowfall and temperate climate provide an abundance of soft and delicate glacier water for use in this dynamic range of both blended and single malt expressions.