Tag Archives: Mars blended whisky

Mars Asagi Madara Blended Whisky 2020 Limited Edition 8YO 48%abv

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Nose: Toffee, plums, apricots, candied orange slices, raisins, honey, vanilla, pepper. An ever present floral note that floats over the top, some leather and bran. Elegant. Cadbury Crunchie and light oak with water added.
Palate: Rich and full bodied with long oily legs in the glass. Nutmeg, raisins, honey, plums, apricots, orange candies, brandy snaps, sweet tobacco. A nice hit of salt and pepper. Some banana with water added. Excellent balance.
Finish: Bran, cacoa powder, hint of new leather, chocolate milk. The finish is longer with water added plus some vanilla, leather, oak and banana candies.
Last Word: What a suprise packet. My favorite Mars Blend so far. Read the back label carefully and it indicates that only the Malt component was distilled by Mars. No matter, works a treat with whatever 8 year old grain whisky they used in the mix. Was an absolute bargain in Japan at around $50 retail. Highly recommended if you can still get it on the cheap.

Rating: 87/100

Mars Sakura Cask Finish Blended Whisky 40%abv

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Nose: There is some unripe apricots, unripe bananas, nutmeg, pencil shavings and green apples. What dominates though is red grape skins and vine leaves. The most grapey nose I’ve ever come across on a whisky and you smell it in a glass 2 feet away.
Palate: Follows the nose quite closely. Vine leaves, red grape skins, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, marzipan. Light bodied.
Finish: Red grape skins and cinnamon bark. Actually has some decent length for a 40%abv whisky.
Last Word: On the one hand I prefer this to the likes of Mars Iwai Tradition and Mars Iwai Bourbon barrel, but with mainly a couple of dominant flavors that must be from the Sakura cask finish, it’s a bit of a novely whisky.

Rating: 81/100

Mars Tsunagu Blended Whisky Bourbon and Wine Casks 46%abv

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P1050319Nose: Raisins, stewed apples, figs, malt, marzipan, wood chips, rhubarb stalks, orange peel.
Palate: Malt, stewed apples with custard, marzipan, nougat, mixed herbs, chili, yeast, orange peel. Water adds camphor, butter and candied nuts.
Finish: Quite herbaceous, orange peel, camphor and fresh cream.
Last Word: A nicely constructed, smooth blend and worth a punt if you can get it at a decent price. This was bottled for Japanese department store chain Isetan.

Rating: 85/100