Hombo Shuzo Mars

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Shinshu Mars/World
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 750 ml

Produced by Hombo Shuzo, this world blended whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, who was instrumental in the early years of distilling at Hombo Shuzo. It has been finished in Chateau Mars red wine barrels for over a year, imparting unique flavors and characteristics to the whisky. Hombo Shuzo also operates a winery in Yamanashi Prefecture, enhancing their expertise in blending spirits with wine influences.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Inviting aromas of ripe red fruits and subtle tannins, accompanied by hints of oak and a touch of sweetness.
• Palate: A rich, smooth mouthfeel showcases flavors of dark cherries, plums, and a gentle spiciness from the wine cask, balanced with a hint of vanilla and creamy oak.
• Finish: The finish is elegant and lingering, leaving a warm sensation with notes of fruit and a delicate hint of spice, echoing the red wine influence.

Please note, this bottle does not come with a box.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Shinshu Mars/World
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 700 ml

Produced by Hombo Shuzo, this world blended whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, who played a crucial role in the early years of distilling at Hombo Shuzo. It undergoes a finishing period in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks, imparting rich flavors characteristic of sherry maturation.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromatic notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins, intertwine with sweet hints of maple syrup and toffee, creating a warm and inviting bouquet.
• Palate: The palate reveals a delightful medley of dark fruits, complemented by a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. The sweetness from the sherry cask adds depth, while hints of oak and spice enhance the complexity.
• Finish: The finish is rich and lingering, showcasing a harmonious balance of sweetness and a subtle dryness, leaving traces of dried fruits and a soft, warming warmth.

Please note, this bottle does not come with a box.

• Region: Japan/World
• Distillery: Shinshu Mars/World
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 700 ml

The Lucky Cat 'Luna' is the seventh edition of 'The Lucky Cat' series—a world blended whisky crafted from malt and grain whisky sourced from Shinshu Mars and other distilleries. This edition, released in 2022 with only 5,220 bottles, is primarily aged in ex-bourbon and new oak casks before being finished in Manzanilla and Oloroso sherry casks.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of shortbread and brown sugar intertwine with the sweetness of raisins, complemented by hints of dried fruits and a touch of oak.
• Palate: A delicate and balanced palate featuring notes of apricots and figs, enriched by a subtle saltiness that enhances the overall experience.
• Finish: The finish is smooth and lingering, with a delightful sweetness of dried fruits and a gentle oak presence, leaving a warm, inviting aftertaste.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Mars Tsunuki Distillery
• Age: NA
• ABV: 50%
• Size: 700 ml

Launched in 2016, the Mars Tsunuki Distillery is the second distillery of the Hombo Shuzo Group. This 2022 Edition showcases the distillery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with a release of 35,800 bottles. It was awarded the silver medal at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC 2022).

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A rich bouquet of fresh fruits, vanilla, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a hint of oak and gentle spice.

• Palate: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, sweet apples, and toasted nuts. A touch of spice enhances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded mouthfeel.

• Finish: A lingering finish of warm vanilla and light smokiness, leaving a pleasant, slightly sweet aftertaste.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Shinshu Mars
• Age: 3 Years
• ABV: 58%
• Size: 700 ml

The Mars Komagatake Revival is a slightly peated whisky, boasting a phenol level of 8 ppm. Released in 2011, this limited edition of only 6,000 bottles celebrates the revival of the Shinshu Mars distillery at Komagatake and marks the restart of whisky production in 2007.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of fresh vanilla and caramel greet the senses, inviting you to explore further.

• Palate: The palate reveals a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla and caramel, accented by a medley of spices that adds complexity.

• Finish: The finish is marked by a subtle hint of smoke, providing a brief yet satisfying closure to the tasting experience.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Shinshu Mars
• Age: 24 Years
• ABV: 59%
• Size: 700 ml

The Shinshu Mars Distillery ceased production in 1992 but resumed in 2011. This exceptional whisky, distilled in 1991, is a single cask release, matured in sherry cask #157 and bottled by Whisky Talk Fukuoka in 2015. Limited to only 375 bottles, it is a rare find for whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Complex and inviting, with rich aromas of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and hints of spices. Subtle oak and a touch of nuttiness add depth to the profile.
• Palate: Robust and full-bodied, the palate reveals layers of dried figs, rich sherry sweetness, and spices, complemented by a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, leather, and dark berries intertwine, creating a harmonious balance.
• Finish: The finish is long and warming, marked by lingering sweetness and a gentle spiciness, with echoes of dried fruit and oak, showcasing the whisky's impressive age and quality.

Rating: 90+ on Whiskybase over 7 reviews.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Mars Komagatake Distillery
• Age: 6 Years
• ABV: 61% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This Mars Komagatake 2017 Single Malt Heavily Peated whisky, bottled exclusively for MIZUNARA, offers a unique experience with its bold peated profile. Matured in American Oak Bourbon Barrel #BJ3636, this release is limited to only 184 bottles shared across Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh green fruits, sweet citrus, vanilla cookies, and earthy peat smoke.
• Palate: Flavours of lemon tart, salted caramel, smoked bacon, and oak spices.
• Finish: A lingering combination of warm spices, earthy smoke, and dark chocolate.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the intense complexity of Mars Komagatake’s heavily peated whisky, carefully selected and bottled for MIZUNARA. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts seeking something rare and robust.