Born from a rare collaboration between two of Japan's most revered distilleries, the Mars Malt Duo marries Komagatake single malt from Hombo Shuzo with Ichiro's Malt from Chichibu. The two houses swapped new-make spirit and aged it side by side for years, then vatted the result into a single cask-strength expression that belongs to both and neither.

Mood: Two mountains, one glass.

Tasting Notes

Dried apricot, honey, and toasted oak rise first, with a wisp of sherry richness underneath. The palate is full and warming at cask strength, layering orchard fruit and malt sweetness over baking spice and a touch of leather. It finishes long and dry, oak and dark fruit lingering well after the pour.

Serving

Best neat with a few drops of water to open it up, or over a single large cube. A serious after-dinner pour alongside dark chocolate, aged hard cheese, or a fine cigar.