Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky

We've said it before but it bears repeating, this family owned brand is poised to become the next big thing in Japanese Whisky. And smart bottlings like this are a great example of why. Taking their already popular flagship blend and bringing the abv up to 45% ABV, the extra punch this version carries makes it shine in classic Highballs and myriad other cocktails. While this really shines in a mixed drink the whisky itself over delivers on complexity with notes of fresh apple, green pear, nougat and water chestnuts on the nose and flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, honey-ed porridge and gentle spices on the palate. Solid stuff.