Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition Whisky
$56.99
This Japanese blended whisky comes from both malt and grain. It’s distilled at Japan’s highest distillery, Mars Shinshu Distillery, founded by the Hombo family, located at 798 meters, in a mountain range of Nagano. The whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as “The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky,” and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky.
About Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition Whisky
Mars Shinshu is Japan’s highest whisky distillery, at 798 meters -just over 2,600 feet- nestled between Japan’s Southern and Central Alps. Mars Shinshu is owned by the Hombo family, who have been in the business of distillation for over a century.
Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production line up in 1949. In 1984, Shinshu decided to move their southernmost Kyushu distillery to the picturesque alpine Miyada village, where the high altitude and cool climate make for suitable conditions for whisky-making. The whisky is produced from waters that pass through granite rock, this water is high in natural minerals.
This whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as “The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky,” and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky. Iwai sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making. Taketsuru returned to Japan, presenting a whisky-making report- the Taketsuru Notes- to Iwai. Taketsuru was the first Japanese to learn the art of whisky-making.
Mars Shinshu’s whiskies continue to be some of the most inexpensive Japanese whiskies on the market, and they are full of high quality character and complex flavor. Iwai Tradition, is a blended whisky, comprised of both single malts, grains, and blended whiskies. The whisky is then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-wine casks, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
“Iwai Tradition is a special tribute to Iwai and Japanese Whisky. This is malt driven spirit is truly a reflection of contemporary Japanese whisky. Incredibly balanced, soft and layered. A blending of sherry, bourbon and wine casks with hints delicate hints of peat make for a harmonious whisky that would make Iwai-san proud.”
Pick a bottle of this Shinshu whisky today!
About Japanese Whisky
Although maybe not be the first Spirit you would think of when Japan is mentioned; the Japanese make one of the best types of whisky in the world. It’s heavily influenced by scotch but with smoother and delicate notes.
The history of the Japanese whisky is not even a century old, but in this short time, the Japanese blended and single malts have taken over the world by storm and can easily go against their whisk(e)y counterparts from across the globe.
Related Products
Aged for a minimum of twelve years, this whisky earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.
Aged for a minimum of 12 years, this whisky was named “Best in Class” and earned a score of 92 points from the Beverage Testing Institute.
This single malt Japanese whisky is made with 100% malted barley and is distilled through Coffey stills imported from Scotland.
This whisky is expertly blended from 12 unique grain and malt whiskies produced at the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries in Japan. Hibiki Harmony was named the Japanese Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate in December 2017.
Blended from 12 unique grain & malt whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries, this 2021 release of the acclaimed Hibiki Japanese whisky features a limited-edition design.
This Japanese single-grain whisky was distilled in Okinawa at the Kumesen Distillery from premium Indica long-grain rice. The expression was matured in fino and manzanilla sherry casks, resulting in a light spirit that lets the sherry influence shine.
