Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition (40%)

Iwai Tradition is a malt-driven blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu Distillery in Nagano Prefecture, which sits in the Japanese Alps at over 2,600 feet. It is bottled at 40% ABV. The whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, who designed the distillery's original pot stills and mentored Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka. The blend is roughly 70% to 75% malted barley and 25% to 30% corn, aged in ex-bourbon, sherry and wine casks. The nose has wildflower honey, clove and baked apple, with a faint earthy hint of peat smoke. The palate is rounded, with ripe pear, toffee, milk chocolate and black tea. The finish is medium-long and clean, with soft ginger, cinnamon and orange peel.