Mars Tsunuki – Peated (70cl, 50%)

This is a peated single malt from Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima, Japan, and the distillery's second single malt release. Peat is more prominent than in its predecessor, The First. It was bottled in 2020 at 50% in a 70cl bottle, without chill-filtration or added colour. The vatting is mostly peated malt from the first production season, matured in ex-bourbon barrels. The spirit was distilled in 2016 and 2017, and 14,830 bottles were released. The nose has peat smoke, honey and brown sugar, then barley and crisp apple. The palate is soft and full, with sweet malt, caramel and green apple before the peat spreads. The finish is medium in length, with sweet smoke, caramelised rock sugar and a creamy, buttery note.