Two whisky distilleries in Japan, three barrel storage facilities, one brand: Mars produces a wide variety of single and blended malts – and plays with the influences of three different climate zones in Japan. The headquarters, Mars Shinshu distillery, is located in Japan’s cold and humid Alps.
Komagatake is the series for limited editions from Mars Shinshu, and this Komagatake 2018 was selected by Kirsch Import for Germany.
Mars Shinshu ‘Komagatake’ 3 yo 2018 (59%, OB for Kirsch Import 2021, American virgin oak cask #4047)
Nose: hi there, this is the cask speaking. The spirit is young, so I suggest I do the talking. Fresh oak shavings, candy floss, bananas, vanilla milkshake and syrup. Hints of varnish and glue. Green plums and oat cakes. After a while it starts showing nice floral notes. A few drops of water bring out additional hints of apricots.
Mouth: more oak infusion. Without excessive dryness, mind you, but still. Sweet popcorn notes, salted butter, white pepper and mentholated notes. Underneath is a rather greedy sweetness, with plenty of caramel and fruit candy. Hints of kiwi, lemon and plums. Almonds and varnish, as well as a subtle hint of potpourri.
Finish: long, with a citrusy note, grassy hints and flowery touches.
The virgin oak leaves a clear footprint on this Komagatake, even though there are no rough edges. It does exceed its age expectations, but it’s not exactly affordable either. Around € 210 in several German shops through Kirsch Import.