Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky

Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky – Rare Character at a Worthwhile Price

Discover a distinctive Japanese single-cask whisky with a story as memorable as its flavour. The Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky is a limited release created exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. Distilled at Mars Komagatake in Nagano, this whisky spent seven years maturing in a bourbon cask before developing further in Mars’s ageing cellar on Yakushima island.

For whisky drinkers seeking something unusual without stretching to the price of an older premium bottling, this release offers excellent value. It combines the character of a single cask, the appeal of Japanese whisky and the influence of Yakushima’s unique island setting in one carefully selected bottle. At 57% ABV, it also delivers plenty of flavour and can be enjoyed in several different ways.

A Japanese Whisky with a Distinctive Island Story

Komagatake Distillery, formerly known as Shinshu, is located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano. Its high-altitude setting helps create a whisky style known for freshness, balance and a clean character. After distillation, this whisky matured in a bourbon cask, allowing the spirit to develop layers of fruit, vanilla and gentle spice.

The cask was then aged in Mars’s facility on Yakushima, an island off the south coast of Japan. Yakushima is known for its lush forests, warm climate and humid coastal air. These conditions bring an interesting dimension to the whisky, helping shape its aroma, texture and finish. The result is a bottle that reflects both its mountain origins and its tropical island maturation.

What Makes This Bottle Special?

• Exclusive bottling: Selected and released exclusively for The Whisky Exchange.
• Single-cask character: Bottled from one cask, giving the whisky a distinctive personality rather than a standard blended profile.
• Seven years old: A well-developed age that offers depth while retaining the lively character of younger Japanese malt whisky.
• Yakushima ageing: Matured in a unique island environment that adds to its sense of place.
• Strong but flexible: Bottled at 57% ABV for a rich, full flavour that can be enjoyed neat or diluted with a little water.
• Excellent gift potential: A thoughtful choice for collectors, Japanese whisky fans and anyone who enjoys discovering limited releases.

Fruity, Smooth and Full of Warmth

The first impression is bright and inviting, with tropical fruit notes leading the way. Expect flavours that suggest ripe pineapple, mango and other sun-kissed fruit, balanced by the gentle sweetness of vanilla from the bourbon cask.

As the whisky opens in the glass, soft spice begins to appear. Subtle warmth adds interest without overpowering the fruit, creating a well-rounded profile that remains easy to explore. The higher strength brings extra richness, while a few drops of water can soften the spirit and reveal more delicate aromas.

The finish is satisfying and flavourful, with lingering fruit, mellow vanilla and a touch of spice. It has enough depth to reward slow sipping, yet its approachable style makes it suitable for whisky enthusiasts who are still exploring cask-strength expressions.

Why It Offers Great Value

Limited Japanese whisky releases can often command a premium, particularly when they feature single-cask production and unusual maturation. This bottle provides an opportunity to experience those qualities at a more accessible level. Its seven-year age, exclusive status and Yakushima connection make it a compelling addition to a collection, while its generous flavour profile makes it enjoyable rather than simply decorative.

The 70cl bottle is also ideal for sharing during a special occasion or enjoying gradually at home. Whether served neat, with a splash of water or over a single large ice cube, it offers plenty of versatility for the price.

How to Enjoy It

• Pour it neat into a tulip-shaped glass to appreciate its full aroma.
• Add a few drops of water to bring out more tropical fruit and vanilla.
• Serve over ice for a cooler, smoother sip.
• Pair it with dark chocolate, grilled fruit, mild cheese or lightly spiced desserts.

Add a taste of Japanese island-aged whisky to your collection today. With its exclusive availability, rich cask strength and impressive fruit-led character, the Mars Komagatake 2017 offers a memorable whisky experience without the cost of a much older expression. Place it in your cart now and enjoy a distinctive bottle that brings together mountain distillation, bourbon-cask influence and Yakushima maturation in one affordable release.