Saturday 6 April 2024

Mars Komagatake 2018 Shinshu Aging 5 yo

 
 
 
62°
Distillery : Shinshu - Japan
Bourbon Barrel
Original Bottling 
Limited Edition 
Single Cask 
Bottled in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 50 ppm
 
 
 
The second of 4 bottlings specially released for Whisky Live Paris 2023, this one spent 5 years in a Bourbon Barrel before being distributed in 206 bottles as part of the Collection New Vibrations, which means it will be sold primarily on the French market. It is very peaty, and was stored during its maturation at Shinshu itself, the distillery 800 metres above sea level where it was made. The label was designed by artist Takahiro Kurashima.




Let's Taste It : 
A fresh, icing-sugar nose, but also somewhat vinous, like white wine, vanilla and custard. There's not much peat on the nose, it's more like a fog, slightly mineral, with chips of coal. Some planty notes in the background, reeds, tall grass. Mellow and fruity on the palate, with mirabelle plums and lychee, apple doughnuts and mountain honey. Full-bodied, with well-balanced spices. The finish is long, almost explosive, with wood, varnish, cardamom, star anise and pistachio. Notes of earth and liquorice, parsley, mint leaf.

In Short, 
I have to admit that I was impressed by this one. Beautifully clean, very balanced, with mountain and plant scents that don't mask the fruit. What's surprising is that the peat is very light, despite the claimed 50 ppm. The alcohol is also very well integrated. All in all, a good job, which I'd advise you to buy if you absolutely must invest a lot of money in a 5 year old whisky.
Score : 89









                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :
 
                                           Psybie Project - Rise Again

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