Introduction
I was curious about the Komagatake Single Malt from Mars Shinshu because it's the distillery's first ongoing core expression, and I wanted to see how it measured up to other Japanese whiskies on the market right now. Until recently, most of Mars’ releases were either limited or seasonal. So having something more constant felt like a good way to get a clearer sense of what they’re aiming for as whisky makers. Going in, I expected something clean and moderate – not overly complex, but thoughtful and consistent.
Nose
The nose opened up fairly gently. Soft malty cereal came through first, joined by green apples and something slightly floral – maybe cherry blossom, maybe just a subtle perfume from the oak. There’s a definite fruitiness here, but it doesn’t shout over everything else. As it sat in the glass, I started to notice a barely-there smoke – very restrained, more of a shadow than a key player. Overall, it’s delicate with enough detail to hold your attention.
Palate
What stood out first on the palate was a smooth, almost buttery texture. It’s medium-bodied, not thin or overly rich. The fruity notes from the nose came back – more orchard fruit, especially pears and apples – but this time with a bit of vanilla and baking spice woven in. There’s a little oak influence, giving it some structure, and the smoke is more noticeable now, but still subtle. It lingers at the edges, adding dimension rather than dominating. There’s also a faint nuttiness – something like almond – that emerges toward the mid-palate.
Finish
The finish is on the shorter side, but clean. I picked up dry oak, soft peppery spice, and a touch of smokiness that fades slowly. It doesn’t coat your mouth or evolve too much after swallowing, but it leaves a pleasant, light dryness that makes you want to pour another dram. It's well-behaved and subtle rather than bold or lingering.
Price and Value
Considering the growing prices of Japanese whisky and the scarcity of some well-known names, this bottle feels fairly priced for what it offers. It’s not aiming to compete with age-stated prestige bottles, but it delivers a thoughtfully composed single malt experience. I’d say you’re getting genuine quality for the price – not a showpiece for collectors, but a solid, dependable pour that shows care in the blending and maturation.
Background
This whisky comes from the Mars Shinshu Distillery, located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Set high in the Central Alps at over 700 meters elevation, the distillery takes advantage of the clean mountain air and water, which likely plays a part in the whisky’s gentle character. This release blends whiskies aged in a combination of ex-bourbon casks, sherry barrels, and American white oak. It's also lightly peated, though the smoke influence feels carefully restrained. What’s important to note is that Mars Shinshu shuts down production in the colder months, so having a consistent, accessible single malt like this is a new move for them – and a welcome one.
Final Notes
Would I buy it again? Yes, especially for days when I want something uncomplicated yet well-made. It doesn’t try to impress with boldness but instead shows balance and maturity beyond its likely young age.
Is it a good pick for people new to whisky? I’d say yes – the light peat, smooth palate, and accessible fruit notes make it very approachable. There’s interest here but nothing aggressive.
When would I pour this? I see it fitting well as a casual evening dram, or something to share with friends who are curious about Japanese whisky but don’t want anything too exotic or peaty.
And compared to other Japanese malts? It sits somewhere comfortably between younger Nikka or Suntory releases and more experimental craft bottlings. It’s perhaps not as punchy as Yoichi or as sweet as Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, but it offers a unique sense of place and control that I genuinely appreciated.