Mars 'Komagatake' IPA Cask Finish Japanese Whisky 2021
Mars 'Komagatake' IPA Cask Finish Japanese Whisky 2021 is a 52% ABV (104 proof) Japanese single malt finished in craft-beer casks. Distilled and matured at Mars Shinshu in the Nagano Alps in ex-bourbon barrels, the whisky is finished for 10 months in ex-IPA casks from the Minami Shinshu Brewery — Mars's second craft-beer cask experiment after an earlier successful release, and a successful one again. The 2021 release is a limited edition. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 52% (104 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Finish: 10 months in ex-IPA beer casks from Minami Shinshu Brewery
- Base: ex-bourbon barrel maturation at Mars Shinshu
- Edition: 2021 limited release
When Whisky Meets Japanese IPA
The IPA casks bring a hoppy lift the base whisky never had: the nose is full-bodied and complex — bold sweet fruit, marzipan, dark fruits, tangy orange, hints of soft lime rind, barley sugar, almond, vanilla, and soft spices — while the palate is sweet, smooth, and fruity with rich spiced notes, toasted cereal, soft baked soda bread, orange, lemon, vanilla, and golden honey. The classic Komagatake array of fruity and floral notes gets amped up with hoppy accents of citrus zest, grapefruit, and orange. It is Japanese whisky refinement meeting Japanese craft-beer richness in one pour. See more Japanese whisky or browse Mars Shinshu Distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose: bold sweet fruit, marzipan, dark fruits, tangy orange, soft lime rind, barley sugar, almond, vanilla, soft spices. Palate: sweet, smooth, fruity — rich spice, toasted cereal, baked soda bread, orange, lemon, vanilla, golden honey. Finish: rich and smooth.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water — the hop-driven aromatics open beautifully. A conversation piece for whisky geeks and beer lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks are used? Matured in ex-bourbon barrels at Mars Shinshu, then finished 10 months in ex-IPA casks from the Minami Shinshu Brewery.
Is this the first beer-cask Mars whisky? No — it is the brand's second craft-beer cask experiment; the first was equally well received.
How does the IPA cask change the whisky? It adds hoppy notes of citrus zest, grapefruit, and orange over Komagatake's classic fruity, floral base.
Whisky for hop heads — buy Mars Komagatake IPA Cask Finish 2021 online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.