Mars Komagatake 2013 Double Cellars Bourbon & American White Oak Matured Japanese Single Malt Whisky (2018) 70cl

1 of 3840 bottles produced from this now discontinued run.

Aged in Two Cellars: Shinshu & Tsunuki

Komagatake Double Cellars is a single malt whisky distilled at Mars Komagatake Distillery. It is vatted from malt whiskies nurtured at two distinct aging sites: Mars Komagatake Distillery and Mars Tsunuki Distillery. Composed of whiskies matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and virgin American White Oak casks, this expression features fruity aromas of apricot and plum. It offers a harmonious blend of soft, sweet flavors reminiscent of vanilla and honey. By combining a variety of malt whiskies matured in different environments and cask types, this unique gem allows you to enjoy the diverse expressions characteristic of Mars Whisky.

6 barrels have aged in Shinshu on the island of Honshu and 7 barrels in Tsunuki, the new distillery of Mars, on Kyushu. Finally assembled in Shinshu, this geographical and meteorological marriage will transport you with finesse and balance to the land of cherry blossoms.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Sweet orchard fruits, polished oak, and hints of floral honey. Subtle smoke and spice notes provide complexity.

Palate: Creamy malt and citrus peel lead into caramelised nuts, white chocolate, and gentle peppery warmth.

Finish: Lingering citrus zest, toasted nuts, and a light smoky undertone.

About Mars

Japan's highest distillery, Shinshu was built by the whisky division of the Hombo Shuzo Co, known as Mars, in 1985. It is located in Miyada, a village in the Nagano Prefecture, and operated for seven years before being mothballed in 1992. Despite being relatively succesful in their native market, Mars had not had the success of its competitors Nikka and Suntory on the global stage, and the struggling Japanese whisky market at the time forced the company's hand. In the subsequent years however, things began to improve, and Shinshu distillery was eventually re-opened in 2011. Mars bottles its single malt under the Komagatake brand, and have also opened a sister distillery called Tsunuki to provide for its popular blends.

This whisky has been aged in the stone warehouse of Mars Tsunuki distillery in Kagoshima. It is a vatting of ex-Bourbon cask aged spirit.

In 1985, Hombo Breweries opened the Mars Shinshu distillery in Miyata village at the foot of the Komagatake Alps in Japan’s Nagano prefecture. Whisky production there takes place only during winter, with the rest of the year spent brewing beer and distilling other spirits. However, with the popularity of whisky enjoying a resurgence in Japan, “winter” now lasts for about six months at the distillery.

46% ABV

70cl