- Blended Japanese whisky from Mars Komagatake (FKA Mars Shinshu) in Nagano, Japan
- Distilled from 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
- #19 on Whisky Advocate’s list of Top 20 Whiskies of 2020
- 45% ABV
Mars Shinshu’s blue-labeled Iwai (pronounced E-Y) is kicked up to 45% ABV for further cocktailing versatility.