Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Mars Shinshu.
Bottler: Distillery.
Region: Japan Single Malt.
ABV: 63%. Cask strength.
Age: 6 years. Distilled in 2015. Bottled in 2021.
Cask type: First Fill Bourbon Barrel.
Nose: Pears, green apple, florals, honey, a touch of mint and grassy sweetness, mellow oak with #2 pencils and pecan shells, a touch of dried coconut and coffee.
Palate: Medium-bodied, vibrant and a touch oily, pears, apples, green plum, wood, grassy sweetness, dried coconut and coffee.
Finish: Medium-length with herbs, honey, and mild earth.
Mental Image: Repurposed Coffee Tin
Conclusion: An unexpected glimpse into my Grandmother’s kitchen— sliced pears and chopped apples for pie making, green apples and honeydew melon for snacking, honey for sweetness, and a touch of roses or floral lilies to lighten the air. Wood sometimes stood out with #2 pencils and pecan shells, two constants in my childhood, while more subtle notions of mint and grassy sweetness lingered in the background. A touch of dried macerated coconut and instant coffee— tinned Folger’s— called to mind Christmas candy making in that warm kitchen. Medium-bodied and slightly oily, the flavor profile was vibrant and green, with a cart full of pears, apples, and the odd green plum. The fruits largely faded as honey, green grass, and a hint of honeysuckle arrived, though green plum hung on until the end. A touch woody at times, more #2 pencils and pecan shells, with hints of herbal tobacco or tea leaves. The finish was medium-length with herbs, honey, and mild earth.
Allowed only two terms to describe this malt, I would go with “green and alive.” This malt had a striking vibrancy as orchard fruits and subtle florals collided over wood and coconut. A unique combination, to be sure, and an unexpected dose of nostalgia. This was that perfect storm of unbidden memories helping to elevate the experience— though I do not expect everyone to share that.
Considering my love of nostalgia-inducing malts, the score might seem a tad low, and to be sure, this was close to coming in at a higher level. However, the finish was an unescapable weakness, and the flavors did take a slightly bitter turn toward the end between the subtle sour plum and the underlying wood. A few drops of water brought out more sweet plum and pushed some of the wood further into the background.
Overall, a delightful malt that felt made for summertime sipping.
Final Score: 77.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 