Mars Iwai Tradition

After reading a review of this whisky by @Jose-Massu-Espinel earlier today, I recalled that I had a bottle which I'd not yet reviewed. I believe I purchased this a few years back when the Japanese whisky boom was just getting started. It was a not-inexpensive impulse buy; the bottle still has the $63 price tag affixed. Color is a clear Pantone 144 (I have no affiliation with Pantone, but am using it in an attempt to achieve a little more visual precision). The nose shows some malt, sweet apples, quince, cut grass, and an ethanol/paint element. Palate has a slightly viscous mouthfeel, with a corn sweetness that continues on the finish, plus a pinch of white pepper and a little smoke at the very back. I actually do like this more than I had recalled; the whisky has an interesting combination of bourbon and scotch characteristics. But I dislike bare-minimum 40% ABV whiskies on principle. The economics of it are diametrically opposed to artisanal craftsmanship. Minimum-standard ABV (which 40% is) is not some magic level that achieves an optimum flavor profile; it is entirely an economic decision, using the maximum amount of water dilution to achieve a whisky designation and maximize production. Granted, there are many whiskies which I very much like which are only marginally higher at 43%; but at least that is a token gesture towards a not-total focus on economics. There's also the issue of a nonstandard bottle. It does hold 750ml, but the slightly bulbous bottom seems to show some mountainous profile around the base, apparently signifying the fact that this is Japan's highest distillery at roughly 2,600 feet. The corresponding shoulders seemingly display some sort of liquid rivulets, akin to the "legs" that one can see after swirling whisk(e)y or wine. Whisky shelves are crowded, to be sure. But the path to consumer loyalty has nothing to do with the bottle or label. Would I buy it again? No. There are no hard edges, and I've had whiskies that are far worse. But there's no reason to use it in a cocktail at only 40% ABV when numerous cheaper and higher-proof options abound, and while it's not simple per se, it's not unique enough to merit keeping on hand. Would I buy it at a higher proof and some additional disclosure? Perhaps. 3.0 on the Distiller scale. 40% ABV. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Have you heard the phrase "the best whisky is the whisky that is free"? Well, i have found the exception to that rule. A new whisky has reached the ecuadorian markets, a japanese one, Iwai Tradition. The good thing about been one of the only whisky critics in my country, is that people always gift me new expressions that appear. Iwai Tradition is bottled at 40%abv. On the nose, way too much grain whisky. Pears and lemon air freshener. Sawdust and an old, oxidized green apple. Liquid paper, hand sanitizer and farm fruits. Gooseberries. On the palate, it starts as a sugary water, but it is super dim. Slight apple notes; young and rough. Ginger. Aftertaste is not good at all. Dry. Hand sanitizer and almonds. Nothing here. Overall, this is not good at all. I did not like it, the nose and palate are under my average score, aftertaste is off putting and the balance is non existing. My score for this one is a fair 52 over a 100, and that is a little too much for what it really is.

Nose: Honey, malty, slight sherry, almonds, and floral Taste: Honey, butter, almond, cereal, malty, and salty Finish: Cereal, sherry, honey, almond, malty, and salty The Mars Iwai Traditional Japanese Whisky is a beautiful dram. The nose comes to remind me of a sunny day in a garden with the complex smell of sweet air and flowers. The taste is ever so mouth-filling with honey, almonds, and maltyness. The finish lingers with sweetness and cereal honey, all beautifully wrapped up. At this price, this is one great bottle of Japanese whiskeys. And if you are unsure of Japanese whiskeys, this is a great entry bottle.

Nose has a brutal edge to it, nearly slicing my sinuses off with it first blush. Moving past the alcohol bite bit there are deep barrel smells that overwhelm. On the palate it's slightly smoother than expected, but still packs a ton of tannic punch. It stings and makes me ponder why I bother with anything. This isn't the best attribute in a whiskey and I'd pass if you were casually interested. Glad I can replace the bottle with something else.

Flaviar advent calendar: First thing that hit the tastebuds are the smoke and peat. Didn’t expect that - but really enjoyable. Behind that comes the caramel and cherry, before the sweet grape shows up and wave at you from the distance. Pretty sure this one will end up on my shelf one day.

Sampling a 'region' is always dangerous. This inexpensive side trip in Japanese whiskey is rough around the edges. Heavy alcohol nose and an underwhelming flavor profile. I can only hope more drinking with reveal something...