As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Blended Whisky. This whisky has a beautiful golden amber color, which immediately catches the eye and invites exploration.
Upon nosing the whisky, I was greeted with a delightful combination of aromas. The first thing that stood out to me was the sweet scent of honey, which was followed by notes of vanilla. These aromas added a touch of richness and sweetness to the whisky. Additionally, there was a subtle presence of oak, which provided a hint of earthiness and depth to the nose.
Moving on to the palate, I found the Iwai 45 to be incredibly smooth and well-balanced. The flavors were harmonious and complemented each other beautifully. The whisky had a distinct taste of malted barley, which brought a pleasant graininess and depth to the palate. This was followed by notes of caramel, which added a touch of sweetness and richness. The caramel flavor was well-integrated and did not overpower the other flavors.
One of the standout characteristics of this whisky was the presence of peat smoke. The peat smoke added a subtle smokiness and complexity to the overall flavor profile. It was not overpowering, but rather enhanced the other flavors and added a layer of depth. The peat smoke was well-balanced and did not dominate the palate.
Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Blended Whisky is a well-crafted whisky with a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The combination of honey, vanilla, oak, malted barley, caramel, and peat smoke creates a complex and enjoyable drinking experience. Whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this whisky offers a smooth and satisfying taste that can be appreciated by both whisky enthusiasts and novices alike.