Mars Whisky Komagatake 2023 IPA Cask Finish Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Mars Komagatake IPA Cask Finish 2023 is an exciting and bold expression of Japanese whisky that merges refined alpine distillation with a hop-driven beer-cask finish. With vibrant citrus, tropical sweetness, and distinctive hop-bitterness tones, it offers a modern craft-whisky experience that appeals to both whisky traditionalists and adventurous drinkers alike.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Distilled at the Mars Shinshu Distillery in Nagano Prefecture, Japan—nestled at about 800 m altitude in the Central Alps—the Komagatake line is matured in the cool mountain air which slows the maturation process and adds clarity of expression. For the 2023 IPA Cask Finish edition, the whisky initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels and was then finished in casks previously used for a craft India Pale Ale brewed onsite at the neighbouring Minami Shinshu Brewery. This innovative finish imparts hop-influenced aromatic and flavour characteristics—citrus peel, herbal notes, pine resin—in combination with the distillery’s malt-grain signature. Bottled at 52% ABV, it offers robust presence without overwhelming softness.

Critics Reviews

• In a review for WhiskyBase, one evaluation rated this whisky at 87 points, describing the nose as “IPA (natural), honey, puff-pastry, elderflower,” the palate showing “ginger, grape skin, grapefruit, honey, elderflower syrup, milk chocolate,” and the finish as “brittle, IPA, elderflower syrup.”

• The editorial team at 88 Bamboo commented: “Mars Komagatake IPA Cask Finish 2023 brings a refreshing citrus and herbal scent derived from hops, a clear sweetness reminiscent of grapefruit, and a sharp bitter-spicy after-taste—making it an excellent match for a highball.”

• A retail tasting note at Blackwell’s highlighted: “The palate is an explosion of ruby-red grapefruit peels, orange candy, pine and pineapple cake that ends with a beautifully light smoky finish.”
  These professional observations affirm that this release stands out for its hop-influenced finish, bright fruit character, and modern experimental style, while still maintaining Japanese single-malt refinement.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Fresh citrus (grapefruit peel), pineapple cake sweetness, herbal hops, pine resin, and vanilla from the bourbon maturation.
Palate: Entry of pineapple-cake sweetness and orange candy shifts towards tart grapefruit, herbal hop bitterness, subtle pine sap, mild malt-grain and a whisper of smoke.
Finish: Medium length with a crisp and slightly bitter hop after-taste, pine needle dryness, light oak and lingering tropical sweetness.

Quick Overview