Mars Tsunuki Peated

A Tsunuki single malt Japanese whisky from the Mars brand. From the Honshu region, this expression has a distinctly peated character. It was distilled between 2016 and 2017 and bottled in 2020. At 50% abv, this was aged in American oak casks. Known as the ‘artisanal’ side of the Mars distillery, Tsunuki has now begun its fifth year of production, and the single malt is only in its second year. For the second bottling, Tsunuki have decided to introduce a larger vein of peatiness in this expression, as well as upping the abv content. There is no artificial colouring, and it was not subject to chill filtration.

The nose presents peat and honey, followed by crisp orchard apple and malty barley. It is sweet and smoky on the palate. The finish is one of cereal sweetness and softened butter. Though peaty, this is a soft, smooth whisky, and an exceptional Japanese single malt.