Mars Komagatake 2019 limited Edition Price: $130 USD Age 4-6 year non chill filtered 48% Mars has been doing some great stuff under the radar for years. This particular 2019 release is from their Shinshu distillery. That’s the traditional name for Nagano Prefecture. Located in central Honshu—the primary island of Japan—Shinshu flourished in ancient times as a cultural crossroads between Eastern and Western Japan. The other distillery location they have is Tsunuki (like 15 hours apart) and they have an aging cellar in Yakushima which is fairly close to Tsunuki. This is a deliciously sweet masterpiece. Candied Apples, pears, very citrus forward nose. A small level of smoke appears in the distance but a super low PPM level, a meaty maltiness is there from the worm tubs like Craigellachie, clove and nutmeg mixed together along with a honey like sweetness. The oak appears beautifully as well. This is super well aged for only 4-6 years old. The palate is brilliant. A literal burst of sweet citrus on the finish especially oranges. A brilliant dram to say the least. Better than any Japanese dram I’ve had so far. It’s actually one of the better whiskies I’ve had in awhile and it’s REAL Japanese whisky. 97/100. It’s worth the price imo and can battle older whiskies for complexity.