Mars Komagatake 29, 1988-2017, Shinanoya Private Bottling 10th Anniversary, Cask No. 480, 60% abv.

The Bottle Features the “Dragon” from Shinshu’s Hokusai Museum on the label. Hokusai was a famous ukiyo-e painter back in the 18/19th century who constantly changed his name. Notable works include the infamous "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" and "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji", which is shown on many Karuizawa bottles. Actually, many of Hokusai's work is shown on whisky labels, especially Japanese whiskies.

Nose: sweet toast, some vanilla, asian pear (梨) is also in there.

Palate: drying, young apples, sour fruits, purple fruits. Midpalate is that old steamed wet lotus leaves, back palate is at first toast and then a numbing spice. Sort of like a Mars interpretation of a standard tannic/overoaked malt.

Finish: short, spicey.

The initial wave on the palate is a little rough with many sweet and sour elements bombarding forward to subside to a more burnt toast ending, however I felt it was enjoyable with that fruit variety coming first and the welcome transformation gives the drinker something to compare against. However I feel the 27 year old vatted was better.

Grade: B

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Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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