Friday, 5 April 2024

Mars Tsunuki 2017 Yakushima Aging 6 yo

 
 
 
60°
Distillery : Tshunuki - Japan
Bourbon Barrel
Original Bottling 
Limited Edition 
Single Cask 
Bottled in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 20 ppm
 
 
 
The Mars group owns two distilleries, Shinshu, located at an altitude of 800 metres, and Tsunuki, located in the plains. It also has a warehouse in Yakushima by the sea. All this makes for a great combination of experiences. Here we have a whisky distilled in Tsunuki and then kept in Yakushima for 6 years in a Bourbon Barrel. The result gives 175 bottles, which will be sold primarily in France as part of the Collection New Vibrations. The label was designed by artist Takahiro Kurashima. The whisky is announced as Cask Strength by some websites, but at exactly 60°, I don't believe it at all.




Let's Taste It : 
The nose is mellow, iodised, airy, with some white fruit, others exotic, mango, passion fruit, candied ginger. Discreet peat, smoke and fish scales, light mineral touches. Very balanced on the palate, but a bit young, with soft, syrupy caramel, juicy pear and cigar ash. Decent spices, cumin and nutmeg. A pinch of salt, and then the finish, long, not too explosive, charcoal and roots, quartz, a spoonful of apricot jam, quinces, chestnuts, walnuts, banana.

In Short, 
Very well made, well balanced, mellow and nuanced, but I still found it a bit young. To be reserved for absolute enthusiasts, as the price is outrageous.
Score : 88









                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :
 
                                           Vault 318 - I'll Find you

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