Mars Shinshu Iwai is a good news, bad news whiskey. The bad news? It’s first impression kind of sucks. This alone might turn people away without a second thought. If you’re like me, the first and most dominant thing you’ll get from the nose is acetone. Don’t breathe too deeply unless you’re looking to clear out those sinuses in a severe and unpleasant way. If you’re willing to soldier on through, this is where the good news begins. After a few drops, the acetone is minimal, allowing other aromas to shine through like toasted nuts, wood chips, molasses, caramel and a touch of citrus. The mouth feel is a bit light, offering cherry, oak, cereal grains and a buttery element. The issue here is that these elements are better, more intense, and delightfully defined when no water is added. That however means suffering through the nose if you want a more interesting palate. Sadly, this requires you to make a decision on where to compromise, the nose or the flavor profile. The finish is surprising. While the proof is relatively low, this one lingers, offering a bit more for you buck. It’s a nice way to close out the dram. I wouldn’t call this one overly refined, but if you’re willing to put in the time, this is a really fun, smooth and enjoyable dram to try, at an incredibly stellar price point. (FWF share #47) Opened: 12/08/17 Finished: 01/07/18