Description
Mars Komagatake x Chichibu Malt Duo Single Malt Whisky is a cask-strength marriage of two of Japan’s most chased distilleries — Hombo Shuzo’s Mars and Ichiro Akuto’s Chichibu — and, with roughly 1,170 bottles released to the US, it is aimed squarely at the collector who has watched both names vanish from shelves.
Process & Profile
Bottled at 54% ABV without dilution, the Malt Duo grew out of a project the two houses began in 2015, when they traded new-make spirit and each laid the other’s whisky down in their own warehouses. Nearly six years later the result runs just over half Mars Komagatake, married with Chichibu’s Ichiro’s Malt — both components carrying a minimum of five years — and drawn from ex-bourbon, sherry and American white oak casks. Chichibu, founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2008, has become one of the most collected names in world whisky, which is exactly what makes a bottle pairing it with Mars so unusual.
On the nose, honeyed barley, dried apricot, orange oil, sandalwood and a light waft of sherried raisin.
On the palate, cask-strength weight carries baked apple, cinnamon, toasted oak, dark honey and a peppery malt spice.
The finish is long and warming, oak-driven with lingering dried fruit and a faint curl of smoke.
What separates this from a standard Mars single malt is the pedigree of the second half. This is not a finishing gimmick but a genuine cross-distillery blend of two acclaimed makers, planned years in advance and bottled as a one-time 2021 edition rather than an ongoing line.
Serve neat in a Glencairn; at 54% a few drops of water open the sherry and honey without dulling the spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this whisky?
A 2021 cask-strength blended malt marrying Mars Komagatake and Chichibu’s Ichiro’s Malt from two of Japan’s leading distilleries.
What are the specs?
54% ABV, 700 mL, just over 50% Mars distillate with Chichibu malt, matured in ex-bourbon, sherry and American white oak; roughly 1,170 bottles for the US.
What does it taste like?
Honey, apricot and orange on the nose; baked apple, cinnamon and toasted oak on the palate; a long, oak-and-dried-fruit finish.
How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn, with an optional drop of water to open the sherried notes.
Why is this release notable?
It is a rare one-time collaboration between Mars and Chichibu, planned from 2015 and limited to about 1,170 US bottles.
