Located at 798 meters above sea level in Nagano's Japanese Alps, Mars Shinshu is Japan's highest whisky distillery. Established by Hombo Shuzo in 1985, it utilises, cold climate, heavy snowfall, and, soft, granite-filtered water for a slow, nuanced maturation process. Named after Kiichiro Iwai, a silent pioneer of Japanese whisky, Mars Whisky Iwai is a smooth, approachable blend inspired by classic American styles. Crafted with a majority of corn and balanced by light malt, it is aged in ex-bourbon barrels to create a rich gold whisky with soft, sweet, and floral aromas. The palate reveals notes of pear, quince, red fruits, and vanilla, complemented by subtle hints of dark cacao. Perfect neat or mixed into cocktails like a Mint Julep or Old Fashioned.