Mars Japanese Whiskey Iwai 45

Whisky Advocate: 91

Blended Japanese Whisky produced at Mars Shinshu in Nagano. Blend of 70% corn and 30% malted barley. Aged between 2–5 years in ex-bourbon barrels. 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 Mars Shinshu’s blue-labeled Iwai (pronounced E-Y) is kicked up to 45% ABV for further cocktailing versatility. Iwai 45 garnered the #19 spot on Whisky Advocate’s list of Top 20 Whiskies of 2020.