Mars Shinshu 3yo 2013/2016 (Cask 1664)

Mars Shinshu 3yo 2013/2016 (Cask 1664)

10th Anniversary, Number One Drinks Company
Single malt - East Honshu
Pale gold
58.9% ABV
Dram

Nose: Lemon juice, honey, brown paper, peat, roast pork, hints of soy sauce. With water, fresh cut grass, lemon zest, photocopy paper. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Bitter sour. Lemon juice, nashi pear, cream, brown paper, peat, hints of driftwood smoke. With water, more bitter, peat, fried eggs, fresh cut grass, hints of salt caramel. 
Finish: Long. Lemon juice, peat, peanuts, hints of honey. 

Comments: 

An independent Shinshu Mars bottling, by the Number One Drinks Company people that have done so many great Karuizawas. This must have been distilled shortly after the distillery reopened around 2012. It's peaty and robust, this is not a light slightly namby-pamby Irish. It's full on, with savoury notes on a complex nose, turning bitter and fragrant on the tongue. With water, it's more herbal, but more bitter too. Excellent stuff, perfect for an introspective evening.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.

Kawasaki 33 yo 1976/2009

Kawasaki 33 yo 1976/2009

Ichiro's Choice, Number One Drinks Co
Single grain - East Honshu
Amber, tinge of red
65.6% ABV
Dram

Nose: Oranges, pears, magic marker, vanilla, lemon zest, honey, red grapes. With water, pears disappear, lots of magic marker, bananas.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, turns slippery.
Tasting: Sweet sour . Oranges, magic marker, lemon zest, honey, red grapes, dried cranberries, hints of pears. With water, sweeter, lots of magic marker, hints of oats.
Finish: Short. Oranges, lemon zest, pears, dried cranberries.

Comments:

Wow! Like a punch in the mouth, incredibly fruity and spicy. The sherry cask complements the spice of the grain whisky really well. With water, it opens up, tastes slightly chemical, like pear drop sweets. Very, very tasty indeed.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.