Mars Komagatake, 2013-2017, Heavily Peated, Tokyo International Bar Show 2017, Bourbon Barrel No. 1644, 62/239, 61% abv.

Tokyo International Bar Show, also known as TIBS, is one of the famous whisky shows in Japan, but has more of an emphasis on drink diversity and industry. Known to have some special show-only bottles.

Nose: that "meaty" aroma like boiled beef chunks used in my moms stew, which happened to be the same meat every other family I knew in Montebello used for a beef stew, faint hints of honey, a little floral, backdrop of cantaloupe honey, no peat though.

Palate: some wood, sharp, drying, honey sweetness everywhere, especially sweet on the mid palate. Some smoked wood in there, a little bit of hickory. After a few sips I could sense a light hint of peat, but definitely wouldn't notice it unless I was looking for it.

Finish: medium, continues to dry and overall spiced mouthfeel (similar to the yamakataya private cask overall). Did the previous Yamakataya carry over?

A very nice one! Not sure where the heavily peated aspect is though. Even the bartender says its not a peaty one.

Grade: B

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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