Mars Maltage Cosmo – Manzanilla Cask 2021 Whisky

Limited-edition blended pure malt Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu in Nagano, JapanVatting of whiskies distilled from 100% malted barley; a blend of whisky from a non-disclosed source and whisky distilled at Mars ShinshuBlended, finished, proofed, and bottled at Mars ShinshuNon-age statement; aged primarily in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in ex-Manzanilla sherry casksA nose of red apple skin, chocolate malt, crme caramel, and raisin leads to a floral and dry palate with a lightly salty edge that leans into a finish of clove complemented by baked apples and currantsNon-chill filtered; 42% ABV

The original Mars Maltage Cosmo debuted at the Tokyo International Bar Show in 2015, a blend of 100% malted barley distillates that helped establish Mars talent for blending and finishing at a time when few Japanese distilleries transparently addressed taking the traditional Scottish approach to vatting; subsequent vintages continue the same methods while featuring varying finishing casks. The name is a nod to nearby Mt. Kosumo, a peak in Japans Central Alps, the mountain range that so often inspires the whiskies of Mars Shinshu!