| Brand | Mars |
| Region | Nagano, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Whisky |
| Spirits Style | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51% |
Product details
Born from a cross-island partnership, this 2024 creation continues the Mars “Malt Duo” journey that began with Chichibu in 2021. It unites two landscapes at opposite ends of Japan: Tsunuki in the subtropical warmth of Kagoshima, where mountains rise above the sea and Sakurajima’s volcanic ash drifts through the air, and Akkeshi in Hokkaido’s cold, misty east, surrounded by wetlands and oyster estuaries. Between 2018 and 2019, the two houses exchanged freshly crafted malt, allowing each to mature in the other’s environment. Over more than five years, both teams closely followed how climate and time transformed their creations. The matured selections were then reunited and blended with the host’s own malt, culminating in a pair of expressions that capture the contrast and harmony of Japan’s northern and southern terroirs.
The Tsunuki edition unveils a vibrant and layered sensory journey. It opens with soft hints of orchard fruit—pear and apricot—enveloped in velvety tones of vanilla cream and honeyed grain. A touch of maritime freshness from Akkeshi’s influence adds lift and balance, while a subtle earthy peatiness provides quiet depth. On the palate, notes of golden apple, custard, and toasted nuts unfold in graceful progression, finishing with a gentle warmth and lingering sweetness that mirror the collaboration’s artistry and Japan’s regional diversity.
