Mars – Komagatake 10 Year Old Maltage Pure Malt Japanese Single Malt Whisky (2013) (70cl, 40%)

This is a 10 year old Japanese single malt from Mars, sold under the Maltage name. It was the first 10 year old release from Mars after the distillery's revival in the early 2010s. It was distilled at Japan's highest distillery, which stands at 798 metres beneath Mount Komagatake, and is a vatting of ex-bourbon cask spirit aged in the stone warehouse at Mars Tsunuki in Kagoshima. It is bottled at 40% ABV in a 70cl bottle. The nose offers apricot and pear with a balancing sherry note. The palate recalls red fruits such as cherry, with the acidity of the malt adding to its flavour.