Mars Iwai Distillery 

Overview of Mars Iwai

Mars Whisky operates two distilleries and utilizes three aging warehouses, each offering unique climatic conditions contributing to the distinct profiles of their spirits. 

Mars iwai apearance

History of Mars Iwai

The company remains under the stewardship of Hombo Shuzo Co., which encompasses four generations of the Hombo family .

Hombo Shuzo Co.

Kiichiro Iwai

The Mars Iwai tradition dates back to Kiichiro Iwai, a key figure in Japanese whisky, who initially distilled at Settsu Shuzo in Osaka before partnering with the Hombo family post-WWII to establish their own distillery.

Whisky with a distinct influence of Scottish 

 The Mars name pays homage to the Roman god of war and agriculture, reflecting a blend of fierce spirit and nurturing of craft. The distillery was originally established to create whisky with a distinct Scottish influence, utilizing the Taketsuru report—a document detailing Masataka Taketsuru’s learnings in Scotland about whisky distillation. 

However, the powerful flavors were initially not well-received in Japan, leading to several strategic shifts over the years .

Second History of Mars Iwai

Whisky lines, including Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake, among others

Mars Shinshu Distillery acts like a “father” to its whisky lines, including Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake, among others. As the distillery where these whiskies are produced, Mars Shinshu oversees the creation and development of various expressions, each with its unique character and profile, much like a parent nurturing and guiding their children. The distillery’s expertise, location, and production methods play a crucial role in shaping the identity and quality of each whisky line it produces.

Shinshu Distillery, which is owned by Hombo Shuzo Co.

Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake are both whisky brands produced by the Mars Shinshu Distillery, which is owned by Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd. in Japan. Here’s how they relate to each other:

Benefiting from the cool climate and pure wate

Mars Shinshu Distillery: This is Japan’s highest whisky distillery, located in the Nagano Prefecture. It’s known for its high-quality whisky production, benefiting from the cool climate and pure water sources in the region. The distillery produces a range of whiskies, including the Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake lines.

A mentor to Masataka Taketsuru (the father of Japanese whisky) 

Mars Iwai: This line is named after Kiichiro Iwai, a mentor to Masataka Taketsuru (the father of Japanese whisky) and a key figure in the history of Japanese whisky. The Iwai whiskies are typically more accessible, designed to be versatile for both neat drinking and cocktail making. They may offer a softer and more approachable profile, aimed at a broad audience.

Mars Komagatake: 

This range is a series of single malt whiskies that showcase the distillery’s craftsmanship and the unique terroir of the Nagano region. The Komagatake whiskies are often released as limited editions and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. They are known for their complexity and depth, reflecting the distillery’s high-altitude environment.

Mars Komagatake emphasizes single malt complexity 

The relationship between Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake lies in their production by the same distillery but targeting different segments of the whisky market. While Mars Iwai focuses on versatility and accessibility, Mars Komagatake emphasizes single malt complexity and the unique character of the Shinshu region. Both lines contribute to the diverse portfolio of Mars Shinshu Distillery, showcasing its range in whisky 

making.

Anecdote of Mars Iwai

Relation with Taketsuru and Mars

This deep connection underscores the importance of both Iwai and Taketsuru in the development of Japanese whisky, with Mars Shinshu Distillery continuing their legacy.

Kiichiro Iwai’s Role:

• Kiichiro Iwai was a senior to Masataka Taketsuru at Osaka Technical College and played a pivotal role in Taketsuru’s career. Iwai was instrumental in getting Taketsuru a position at Settsu Shuzo, a major Japanese liquor company, which eventually sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky making. This trip was crucial in bringing authentic whisky-making knowledge to Japan 

Mars Iwai

The Taketsuru (Father of Japan Whisky)Notebooks:

• When Taketsuru returned from Scotland, Settsu Shuzo did not utilize his newfound expertise due to financial and personal reasons. However, Iwai, passionate about whisky, later joined Hombo Shuzo, which owns Mars Shinshu Distillery. Using Taketsuru’s detailed notes from Scotland, Iwai helped establish Hombo Shuzo’s whisky production 

Mars Shinshu Distillery:

• Mars Shinshu Distillery, operated by Hombo Shuzo, incorporates the whisky-making knowledge that Taketsuru brought back from Scotland, guided by Iwai’s mentorship. This distillery produces the Mars Iwai and Mars Komagatake whisky lines, which highlight the craftsmanship and heritage rooted in the early collaboration between Iwai and Taketsuru 

 Iwai and Taketsuru 

This deep connection underscores the importance of both Iwai and Taketsuru in the development of Japanese whisky, with Mars Shinshu Distillery continuing their legacy.

Famous Chichibu Whisky ewlation with Mars Whisky

An interesting anecdote involves the partnership between Mars Whisky and Chichibu Distillery to commemorate the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Both distilleries exchanged new-make whisky and aged them in the other’s warehouses, a collaboration that culminated in a unique blend showcasing the distinct characters of both Mars and Chichibu whiskies .

Production Process of Mars Iwai

Mars Whisky employs a variety of casks for aging their spirits, from ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks to innovative ones like Madeira, port, and even IPA casks. 
This diversity in cask usage allows for over 60 unique whisky expressions, illustrating the brand’s commitment to experimentation and innovation .

Stills

Mars Whisky’s production involves traditional copper pot stills, a method that contributes significantly to the flavor profile of their spirits.

Iwai s copper Stills

Iwai s copper Stills

Iwai s Casks

Iwai s Casks

Mars Iwai Barrel

• Iwai Tradition:

• Barrel Types: A blend of ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine casks
• Flavor Profile: This whisky features a harmonious balance of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes, making it complex yet approachable.
• Iwai 45:
• Barrel Types: Primarily aged in ex-bourbon

Designed based on Taketsuru’s notes

 The distilleries, particularly the Shinshu distillery in Nagano Prefecture, utilize stills designed based on Taketsuru’s notes from his time in Scotland. These stills are instrumental in producing Mars Whisky’s diverse range of expressions .

   Innovative distillation and aging techniques, 

Mars Iwai’s dedication to tradition, coupled with innovative distillation and aging techniques, has cemented its place in the world of Japanese whisky, offering a wide range of expressions that continue to captivate enthusiasts around the globe.

Aroma of Mars Iwai

Aroma of Mars Whisky
Mars whisky, produced by the Mars Shinshu Distillery, is renowned for its complex and inviting aroma profile. Here’s a detailed explanation of the key aromatic notes you might encounter when experiencing Mars whisky:

Mars whisky, produced by the Mars Shinshu Distillery, offers a rich and complex aroma profile. This includes the sweet and mellow scent of honey, the depth of prunes, and the light tropical note of banana. 

The influence of sherry casks impacts

Complementing these are the refreshing zest of orange peel, the earthy richness of hazelnuts, and the sweet indulgence of maple candy. Additionally, the influence of sherry casks imparts an oxidative sweetness, reminiscent of dried fruits and nuts, adding a sophisticated and mature quality. 

Reflecting the craftsmanship

Imagine an aroma profile that blends the gentle smokiness of peat with a light fruitiness reminiscent of apples and pears. There’s a subtle sweetness, perhaps a hint of vanilla and caramel, coming from its aging in American oak barrels. The high altitude and pure water source of the distillery contribute to its crisp, clean taste, so you might detect a fresh, almost alpine note in the background. This whisky would likely carry a smooth, slightly spicy finish, with a warmth that gently lingers, hinting at cinnamon or pepper.

Food environment of Mars Iwai

The meal designed to pair with Mars Iwai whisky, set against the tranquil backdrop of the sea, has been visualized. This setting captures the essence of enjoying the whisky by the ocean, with seafood delicacies that complement its smooth flavor profile, creating a perfect harmony with the maritime environment. The tranquil sea enhances the tasting experience, inviting a moment of serene pleasure.

,

Mars Iwai Highball

Ingredients:
• 2 oz Mars Iwai Whisky
• 4 oz soda water (chilled)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon peel or slice (for garnish)

Instructions:=
1. Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling a highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes or by filling it with ice and water while preparing the ingredients.
2. Add Ice: Fill the chilled glass with fresh ice cubes, filling the glass nearly to the top.
3. Pour Whisky: Pour 2 oz of Mars Iwai Whisky over the ice. Mars Iwai’s smooth and slightly sweet profile makes it an excellent base for a highball.
4. Add Soda Water: Slowly pour 4 oz of chilled soda water into the glass. Be gentle to maintain the fizziness.
5. Stir Gently: Use a long spoon or stirrer to gently mix the whisky and soda water, ensuring the flavors combine without losing too much carbonation.
6. Garnish: Add a twist of lemon peel or a thin slice of lemon to the edge of the glass for a refreshing citrus aroma.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Mars Iwai Highball is ready to be enjoyed. The light, crisp flavors make it an ideal drink for any occasion, highlighting the smoothness of Mars Iwai Whisky.