Mars Iwai Japanese Whisky
Mars Iwai Japanese Whisky is a 750mL blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu (Hombo Shuzo) in Nagano, Japan, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) — the range's bourbon-inspired bottling, built on a majority of corn with light malt and aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Blended Japanese whisky — bourbon-inspired
- Origin: Mars Shinshu (Komagatake) Distillery, Nagano, Japan — Japan's highest whisky distillery, at about 798 metres
- Composition: A majority of corn balanced with light malt (importer copy)
- Casks: Ex-bourbon barrels
- Namesake: Kiichiro Iwai, the father of Mars Whisky
Japan's Bourbon-Inspired Blend
Standard Iwai — widely called the Blue Label — is Mars Shinshu's love letter to American whiskey: importer copy describes a blend inspired by the great whiskies of America, corn-majority with light malt for balance, rested in ex-bourbon barrels at the Nagano distillery Kiichiro Iwai helped plan — the man who sent Masataka Taketsuru to Scotland and whose name the range carries. Where Iwai Tradition leans malt and sherry cask, this bottling leans corn, vanilla and bourbon-barrel sweetness. Taste them side by side via the Mars Shinshu Distillery vendor page and our whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per importer tasting notes: sweet and soft — pear, quince, hints of red fruit, and vanilla from the bourbon barrels.
How to Enjoy
Importer serves suggest daily sipping, a mint julep, or an Old Fashioned — anywhere you would pour a soft bourbon, this pours instead. More Japanese whisky is in our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style is Mars Iwai?
A bourbon-inspired blended Japanese whisky — a majority of corn balanced with light malt, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, per importer copy.
Is this Iwai 45?
No — this listing is the standard Iwai at 40% ABV; Iwai 45 is a separate, higher-proof bottling of the range. Check the bottle's front label if the distinction matters to your order.
How does Iwai differ from Iwai Tradition?
Iwai is corn-forward and ex-bourbon aged; Tradition is malt-forward, lightly peated, and aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks — both are 40% blends from Mars Shinshu.
Bourbon soul, Nagano address — order Mars Iwai online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.