Mars Maltage "Cosmo"

The nose is initially shiny and metallic with phenolic notes that remind you of the earliest budget scotches you had in the past. For me JW red or Dewars WL come to mind. After a few mins to breathe the malt takes over with strong notes of grain and leather. Behind all that there is some pear or white grape trying desperately to get noticed. Palate is sweeter then expected, headed in the direction of vanilla and cream, then switching mid way to the barley that was late to the party on the nose. Back of the palate is woody and dry, not unpleasant but not remarkable. There really isn’t a finish, just a little more barrel and a hint of smoke so light I thought maybe it was my neighbor lighting up across the street. Tastes good, and I would happily drink if someone was pouring, but no need to own a bottle.

Nose: chocolatey and nutty. dates, raisins. Not a heavy nose despite those notes - they’re there but in quite a light way. Maybe a bit of clove, some very subtle honey and molasses. Palate: Sherried flavours, no surprises coming off the nose. Sarsaparilla, vanilla, a bit of a toasted note. Reminds me of that chocolate with pretzel bits in it that I had the other day. Finish: biscuity, grainy and a little like play doh. Overall: fun to try a whisky with such a big sherry influence that isn’t ‘heavy’. This was nice and middling - not too light either. Well balanced but with a good punch to it.

I am quite enjoying this. It is quite a bit smoother then i had expected and the flavor is more complex then I was expecting. It isn't up there with the age statement Hibikis of the world, but this would be a good one to go with if you can get a hold of it. Thanks @Mollie-Distiller for getting me this from Japan.