Mars Shinshu Iwai Japanese Whisky 750 ml

Iwai is the entry blended whisky from Mars Shinshu, the mountain distillery Hombo Shuzo runs high in Japan's Nagano Alps. The blend leans on malt and grain whisky matured partly in Mizunara oak, a Japanese wood that adds incense and clove notes distinct from American or European casks. Expect apple and honey on the nose, a light grainy sweetness on the palate, and a short, spiced finish with a whisper of oak. It's an easy, mixable whisky rather than a sipper built for connoisseurs chasing complexity. Good for anyone curious about Japanese whisky beyond the big-name single malts, or building a highball program.

How to drink Iwai

Built for the highball: pour over ice with soda water and a lemon twist to let the Mizunara spice come through. It also holds its own in a whisky sour.

Whisky80 proof