Mars Iwai Tradition (75cl, 40%)

Mars Iwai Tradition is a Japanese blended whisky from Mars Whisky, made from malt and grain whisky and bottled at 40% in a 75cl bottle. It was created in tribute to Kiichiro Iwai, a key figure in the whisky making of Hombo Shuzo, and was released in 2010. It is linked to Mars Komagatake Distillery and the Iwai pot still tradition. The grain whisky comes from the UK and Japan. The colour is bronze. The nose shows spiced honey, gingerbread, creamy rice and subtle dried fruits. The palate is full-bodied but soft, with maple syrup, vanilla biscuit, orange marmalade, cinnamon and clove. The medium finish brings cacao nibs, gentle smoke and malty sweetness.