Mars Whisky Komagatake Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2021 Edition

Single Malt Japanese Whisky distilled and matured in Nagano at Mars Shinshu • Aged over 3 years in American oak and ex-sherry barrels • Prune, honey, and vanilla on the nose precede a palate of sweet orange and developing cocoa powder with a long and gentle finish of chestnuts and ripe persimmon. Aromas of watermelon, ruby grapefruit, lychee, exotic florals, white pepper, and a little candy sweetness of Cola Cube and strawberry laces are in contrast from the chocolate flavors of the 2020 edition. On the palate, you couldn’t ask for a juicier whisky; fruit salad with red apple, strawberry, watermelon, and that candy sweetness again before an edgier finish of bittersweet citrus and grapefruit acidity ushers in a lengthy fruity finish. (4,158 bottles) 91 PointsWhisky Advocate Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)