Spirit of the Day: Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition

Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition

Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition is a distinguished blended whisky produced by the Hombo Shuzo company in Japan. Crafted at the Mars Shinshu distillery, this expression serves as a testament to the legacy of Kiichiro Iwai, a foundational figure in the history of Japanese whisky.

Producer History

The Hombo Shuzo company has been involved in the production of alcoholic beverages for over 150 years. While the family business began long ago, they officially obtained a license to distill whisky in 1949. The company sought the expertise of Kiichiro Iwai, a mentor to Masataka Taketsuru, to help design their early whisky operations. In 1985, Hombo Shuzo established the Mars Shinshu distillery in the village of Miyada, Nagano Prefecture. Situated at an altitude of 798 meters, it holds the title of Japan's highest whisky distillery. The facility was mothballed in 1992 due to a domestic market slump but resumed operations in 2011, allowing the brand to continue its tradition of producing elegant, complex spirits using soft, granite-filtered snowmelt.

Product History

Iwai Tradition is named in honor of Kiichiro Iwai, whose influence on Japanese whisky predates many other famous names in the industry. The whisky is a malt-heavy blend, consisting of approximately 75% malted barley. It is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine casks, which imparts a layered complexity to the final spirit. The production process benefits from the cool alpine climate of the Nagano region, which slows the maturation process and allows for a refined development of flavors.

Taste Profile

Appearance: A rich, warm amber hue.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is inviting, featuring notes of ripe fruit, honey, and a subtle hint of spice.

Palate: The palate is malt-forward and well-balanced, showcasing flavors of caramel, ginger, pepper, and dried fruits, with a delicate sherry influence.

Finish: A smooth, lingering finish that maintains a gentle warmth.

Overall Character: It is a sophisticated, approachable blend that offers significant depth, often noted for providing high quality at an accessible price point.

Review

Based on an aggregation of professional assessments from sources including Flaviar, Nihon Spirits Guide, and various retail platforms, the Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition holds an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, frequently praised for its complexity and value.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Glencairn glass or heavy-bottomed rocks glass | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 40%

Serving Suggestions

• Neat, to appreciate the full range of the malt-heavy blend.
• On the rocks, using a single large clear ice cube to slowly open the aromas.
• As a highball, mixed with chilled soda water and a twist of lemon for a refreshing experience.

Food Pairings

• Grilled Yakitori: The smoky, savory notes of the chicken pair beautifully with the malt and spice profile of the whisky.
• Dark Chocolate: The sherry and dried fruit notes in the whisky complement the bitterness of high-quality dark chocolate.
• Smoked Salmon: The subtle peaty and spicy undertones of the spirit cut through the richness of the fish.

Cocktail Recipe

Japanese Highball

A classic, refreshing way to enjoy Japanese whisky, highlighting the crispness of the spirit.

Yield: 1 serving

• 2 oz Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition
• 4-6 oz Chilled soda water
• Lemon twist for garnish

1. Fill a tall highball glass to the brim with high-quality clear ice.
2. Pour the whisky over the ice and stir gently to chill the spirit.
3. Slowly top the glass with chilled soda water, being careful not to lose the carbonation.
4. Stir once with a long spoon to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.