Shinshu Mars Iwai Komagatake 2020 Japanese Whiskey 750ML

Shinshu Mars Iwai Komagatake 2020 Japanese Whiskey 750ML is a limited-edition single malt whisky distilled at Japan's highest distillery in Nagano Prefecture, bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). This annual vintage release showcases malt aged over three years in a combination of ex-sherry casks and American white oak barrels. Non-chill filtered to preserve depth and texture, the 2020 expression captures the distinct character that high-altitude maturation at 798 meters above sea level brings to Japanese whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Ripe prune and plum jam arrive first, followed by layers of acacia honey, vanilla pods, and clotted cream. A subtle undercurrent of mixed dried fruits fills out the nose as the whisky opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with peach syrup and sweet orange leading the way. At mid-palate, thick caramel and orange blossom develop alongside rich honey tones. The peak brings cocoa powder and a gentle spice that balances the sweetness without overwhelming it.

Finish: Long, gentle, and decidedly sweet, with lingering notes of dried stone fruit and a faint echo of vanilla. The non-chill filtered bottling ensures a creamy, rounded texture that stays on the palate well after each sip.

How to Drink Komagatake 2020:

At 50% ABV, this single malt rewards neat sipping with a few drops of water to open up the sherry-cask influence. For a traditional Japanese serve, try it as a highball with chilled sparkling water and a thin orange peel to amplify the citrus notes. The cocoa and honey character makes it a compelling base in an Old Fashioned, where the fruit-forward profile stands up to bitters without losing nuance. It also works beautifully in a Mizuwari — the classic Japanese style of whisky diluted with still water — which highlights the soft minerality from the granite-filtered glacial source water used in distillation.

Best For:

• Japanese whisky collectors seeking limited annual releases
• Quiet evening sipping sessions neat or with a splash of water
• A standout gift for single malt enthusiasts
• Side-by-side tastings comparing highland versus lowland Japanese distilleries

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Komagatake 2020 taste like? It delivers ripe stone fruit, honey, and caramel up front, transitioning into sweet orange and cocoa powder on the palate with a long, gentle finish.

How does Komagatake 2020 compare to Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt? Miyagikyo leans toward a lighter, more floral and orchard-fruit profile, while Komagatake 2020 is richer and more sherry-influenced with pronounced dried fruit and cocoa notes. Both are non-chill filtered single malts, but Komagatake is bottled at a higher 50% ABV compared to Miyagikyo's standard 45% ABV.

Is Komagatake 2020 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 50% ABV and non-chill filtered bottling deliver substantial body and complexity that reward careful, undiluted tasting, though a few drops of water can open additional layers.

Where is Komagatake 2020 made? It is distilled at the Mars Shinshu Distillery (also known as Komagatake Distillery) in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, situated at 798 meters elevation in the Central Alps. The distillery sources naturally soft, low-mineral glacial water filtered through granite rock.

What foods pair well with Komagatake 2020? Miso-glazed black cod, dark chocolate truffles, aged Comté or Gruyère cheese, roasted duck with a fruit reduction, and dried fig and walnut bread all complement its honeyed, fruit-rich profile.

Why Buy Mars Shinshu?

Mars Shinshu holds the distinction of operating at the highest elevation of any whisky distillery in Japan, a factor that directly influences the rate and character of cask maturation in the cooler alpine climate. Originally established in 1985, the distillery was revived in 2011 as global interest in Japanese whisky surged, and the annual Komagatake single malt series has become one of its most sought-after releases. The 2022 Komagatake expression earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the broader Komagatake line consistently scores well among enthusiasts, with the 2020 vintage holding an 88-point user rating on Distiller. Each vintage is produced in limited quantities, making individual releases difficult to find once allocated stock is gone.