Mars Iwai Blended Whisky from Mars Shinshu

Last Updated: 10/23/2020

Mars Iwai is produced by Mars Whisky of Nagano. This Bourbon-esque blended whisky is made with 75% corn and 25% malted barley and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. The sweet and spicy character is there, albeit in a lighter, creamier form. Aromatics are subdued and include notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and pome fruit. On the palate Mars Iwai is sweet-ish and creamy with a quick finish. Additional notes of dried fig, cherry, and caramel apple.

A bottle of Mars Whisky in an izakaya. — Bourbon-inspired Japanese Whisky

There’s a respectable amount of character in Mars Iwai Whisky considering its affordable price-point. You probably already know that the Japanese whisky category is rife with price gouging and dubious labeling practices. Mars Whisky products are made in Japan and are not shochu labeled as whisky. But make no mistake: Mars Iwai is not a contemplative sipper! This entry-level whisky is a great mixer and a must for izakayas, Japanese bars, and quality sushi restaurants. It makes a great substitute for Bourbon in many cocktail recipes. At around $35-$40 retail (US), Mars Iwai is in direct competition with Suntory Toki blended whisky– another fine affordably-priced Japanese whisky.

Mars Iwai Service and Pairing

As stated before– Mars Iwai doesn’t necessarily shine on it’s own. However, it is solid on the rocks or mizu-wari. It makes for a decent shot as well. This is particularly true when chilled, which makes it even lighter and smoother than it already is. Mars Iwai Whisky makes for a fine Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, or Mint Julep. It’s amazing as the base to a Penicillin using a smoky Mars Whisky single malt floated on top.

a Manhattan made with Mars Whisky — Mars Manhattan

Technical Notes For Mars Iwai Blended Whisky

Distilled at the Shinshu Distillery in Nagano

Still: Copper pot; wash and spirit still

Mash Bill: 75% corn, 25% malted barley

Age: NAS Alcohol Content: 40% ABV

Mars Whisky at an Izakaya — A Whisky every Izakaya Should Carry

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Hombo Shuzo and Mars Whisky

Founded: 1872 Mars Shinshu Location: Miyada Village, Nagano Prefecture

Website: 日本語 Tokiwa Imports

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Hombo Shuzo (本坊酒造) is based out of Kagoshima and produces Mars Whisky. Additionally, they produce a variety of other other beverages: sweet potato and barley shochu, umeshu, and wine. The “Father of Japanese Whisky”, Masataka Taketsuru, helped Hombo Shuzo build their 2 copper pot stills according to his specifications. Taketsuru-san was instrumental in the creation of Suntory’s Yamazaki, and shortly after founded Nikka.

They built the Mars Shinshu Distillery under the shadow of Mount Komagatake in 1984. While the Mars Whisky brand is the big-name outside of Japan, Hombo Shuzo started out as a Satsuma shochu producer. To this day it remains a big focus of the company. Their Tsuniki (津貫) Distillery is still in service for this and may be used for producing Mars Whisky again in the future.