Mars Komagatake IPA Cask Finish 2023

This single malt reveals an exceptional tasting thanks to its aging in India Pale Ale (IPA) barrels. On the nose, it offers refreshing notes of citrus and herbs reminiscent of the summer hop harvest, accompanied by a light scent of vanilla. On the palate it is sweet and malty, with flavors of grapefruit, herbs and orange. The finish is marked by a sweet and refreshing bitterness, typical of IPA barrels, with a persistence of delicate vanilla and sweet spices. Its coat is browned, adding to its distinctive character.

The 2023 edition of Single Malt Komagatake IPA Cask Finish was aged in the Komagatake winery, at an altitude of 800 meters. This expression is the result of an innovative experiment by Mars, using used beer barrels from the nearby Minami-Shinshu Beer Komagatake Brewery. This unique collaboration gives the whisky a refreshing citrus and herbal flavor from the hops, a clear sweetness reminiscent of grapefruit, and a sharp, bitter aftertaste, making it an ideal companion for highballs.

Mars Komagatake Distillery, founded in 1985, is located at the foot of Mount Komagatake in the Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of 798 meters. Boasting a cool, misty climate and high-quality water from melting snow and rain passing through the granite soil, the distillery produces authentic whiskey that takes full advantage of the Japanese climate. Surrounded by a dense, green forest, the distillery stands in the tranquility of pure air, creating an ideal environment for making exceptional whiskies.