Whisky, 'Mars Maltage, Cosmo - Manzanilla Cask 2022', Mars Whisky

• Limited edition blended pure malt Japanese whisky from Mars Komagatake (fka Mars Shinshu) in Nagano, Japan • 2022 edition of the “Cosmo” Manzanilla Cask series • Vatting of whiskies distilled from 100% malted barley, some lightly peated; a blend of single malt whisky from Mars Shinshu distillery in Nagano and whisky from an undisclosed distillery in Scotland • Blended, finished, proofed, and bottled at Mars Shinshu in Nagano • Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, virgin oak, and Manzanilla casks; non-age statement • Aromas of hot cocoa with strawberry marshmallows are underscored with wet cedar before yielding to a palate of gentle oak, resinous herbs, and lemon zest. Dark chocolate mingles with black tea tannin and angelica root on the finish with a lingering hint of coconut and sea salt. • Non-chill filtered; 42% ABV The original Mars Maltage Cosmo debuted at the Tokyo International Bar Show in 2015, a blend of 100% malted barley distillates that helped establish Mars’ talent for blending and finishing at a time when few Japanese distilleries transparently addressed taking the traditional Scottish approach to vatting; subsequent vintages continue the same methods while featuring varying finishing casks. The influence of Manzanilla casks in this 2022 edition hits its stride, adding nuance that can only be achieved through expert blending.