After over a century of pursuing whisky and over half a century making it, Mars Shinshu is finally making its debut stateside. The Tradition is a malt-heavy blend that goes through a three barrel regimen, maturing in a combination of used bourbon, Sherry, and wine casks before being married. The malt and Sherry influences jump out of the glass while subtle notes of earth, fruit, and spice are revealed over time. Notes include smokestack, roasted grains, firewood, dried nuts, caramel, fruit tarts, and more.