WHISKY MARS KOMAGATAKE IPA CASK FINISH BOTTLED IN 2024

• Distillery / Region: Mars (Shinshu) / Komagatake, in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. At ~800m elevation.

• Type: Single Malt, unpeated.

• Age / Maturation: Aged ~36 years in a mix of new American oak + exbourbon barrels, then finished 6 monthsin IPA beer casks from Minami Shinshu Brewery (Ogna IPA) which are rich in hop character.

• ABV: 52%

• Other features: Nonchill filtered; no added coloring. Limited/seasonal release.

Tasting Notes

• Nose (Aroma):
  Very fresh and lively. Prominent citrus grapefruit zest, lime, maybe some lemon peel. Floral hop tones (from the IPA cask) that give herbal or freshgreen undertones. Sweet malt and a light oak presence supporting the hops.

• Palate (Flavor):
  Juicy citrus fruit continues grapefruit, lime, maybe some orchard fruit. There’s a malty backbone (vanilla, light honeyed malt) that balances the bitterness and brightness. The IPA cask influence is noticeable but not overpowering; it adds hops, herbal notes, and a touch of bitterness.

• Finish:
  Crisp and somewhat bittersweet. A refreshing dryness lingers, with citrus and hop echoes. Slight bitterness from the IPA cask remains, giving a clean, somewhat sharp close.