Single Malt Whisky, Japan/HONSHU – Nagano

Tsunuki Japanese Spring is a deep, energetic single malt whisky, produced in small batches at the Tsunuki distillery in southern Japan. Around 50% of the casks used are first and second fill bourbon. Sherry and port casks add depth and complexity. Cherry cask heads are used to give it its unique profile. Tsunuki uses whiskies peated at 20 ppm in general, in the style that Tsunuki fans will recognize.

Spring in Japan is synonymous with glorious weather and cherry blossom. It’s often a favourite time of year for the Japanese, and also for the Mars whisky house, renowned for the production of its single malts.

The blossoming begins in the south, at the end of March, and makes its way up the archipelago to the north. Mars’ three aging sites are gradually adorned with pink flowers: first on the island of Yakushima, where a tropical, maritime whisky matures #P,& then continues at Tsunuki, whose distillery produces a deep, energetic whisky and ends further north at the Komagatake distillery, offering a fruity, elegant whisky, where this panorama of pink and white accompanies the melting snow.

TASTING NOTES

Nose : Malty, greedy notes of fruit (apricot, peach, apple), white flowers and delicate toasted vanilla.

Appearance : Old or copper.

Palate : The fruitiness of the nose is repeated on the palate, with exotic pineapple and ripe banana in an oily texture. The bitter sweetness of jam-like orange and the richness of quince paste continue the experience. Honey, spices (cocoa powder) and dried fruit (hazelnuts) stand out on the finish, bringing balance and complexity.

Overall : Elegant, long and sweet with chestnuts and finely bitter orange.