Whisky, 'Iwai 45', Mars Whisky

• Blended Japanese whisky from Mars Komagatake (fka Mars Shinshu) in Nagano, Japan • 70% corn and 30% malted barley • Barley distilled twice in copper pot stills • Aged 2–5 years in ex-bourbon barrels; non-age statement • Proofed with granite-filtered Alpine water from nearby Mt. Kiso-Komagatake • A nose of chocolate-covered shortbread precedes a palate of brown sugar and ripe pear with confident structure; a whisper of red fruit appears on the finish • 45% ABV  Mars Shinshu’s blue-labeled Iwai (pronounced E-Y), their spin on a bourbon-styled whisky, is kicked up to 45% ABV for further cocktailing versatility.