Japanese Whiskey

Mars Shinshu’s core blended whisky, named for Japanese whisky pioneer, Kiichiro Iwai (pronounced E-Y), is inspired by the great whiskies of America but retains a distinctly Japanese finesse. This whisky is kicked up to 45% ABV for cocktailing versatility and is perfect for classic Japanese highballs.

This blended Japanese Whisky is produced at Mars Shinshu distillery in Nagano. It's a blend of 70% corn and 30% malted barley and is aged between 2–5 years in ex-bourbon barrels.

Hakata Whisky is distilled and matured in Fukuoka, Japan by the Hikari Distillery (which was founded in 1912). The mash of the whisky is 100% barley. A fraction of this barley has been fermented with Koji providing healthy enzymes for fermentation and creating the highly sought after and delicious, savory taste known as Umami.

The Sherry casks this whisky is aged in are kept in traditional style warehouses as well as a few open-air warehouses where they are exposed to humid summertime temperatures of 95°F and winter temperatures of around 38°F. As a result, the whisky is bold and almost classical in flavor, retaining a freshness that is truly unique.

Hakata appeals to the most discerning whisky drinker as well as the casual enthusiast. The Sherry casks play a dominant role in this spirit, where Oak & Umami glosses over the palate and hugs the sides of the tongue. Its striking textural element and complex flavor take you on a timeless, elegant, and classic journey from beginning to end.

A true workhorse of the collection, the full flavor and authentic spirit-forward character of the Hakata 10 year old whisky introduces the distillery tone and elements in pure potential fashion.

Taisetsu - The Great Snowfall is the 9th release in the 24 Seki Series from Akkeshi. It reflects the time when the days are shortest and mountains are covered in snow and the animals are hibernating. This single malt from Hokkaido's Akkeshi distillery displays all the beauty of winter citrus while abalnacin gits light aromas with the richness of Darjeeling tea, honey cakes, and umami. Aged in Hokkaido Mizunara barrels, ex bourbn, sherry, and red wine barrels.

• Lightly peated single malt Japanese whisky distilled by Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan
• 10^th release from Akkeshi’s 24 Sekki series
• Produced using sourced and locally grown Hokkaido barley, lightly peated
• Water sourced from the Homakai River; filtered through a layer of peat
• Double distilled in Forsythe copper pot stills
• Aged in a combination of Hokkaido Mizunara oak, ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-red wine barrels; non-age statement
• Butterscotch candy, temple incense, matcha green tea, and white chocolate on the nose precede a palate of Mandarin orange, dark chocolate, and sea salt with a lengthy, honeyed finish
• Non-chill filtered; 55% ABV

The 24 Japanese Sekki are days that divide the solar year into 24 equal micro seasons. Keichitsu, roughly translated to “life awakens,” starts in early March and is the season when the first new buds of spring begin to bloom. Evocative of the season’s first rays of soul-warming sunshine, this sprightly dram is as invigorating as those early spring days.