Mars Shinshu, Blended Iwai Tradition

Affordable but lacks character I don't hate this as much as many commenters hate it, but it's certainly a simple, sweet whiskey with no real complexity. I'm not getting the artificial flavors and aromatics that others have called out, though I do get a bit too much sweetness and some unexpected toast that's a bit out of place. I finished the bottle, and company didn't hesitate to help with that, but the distillery folk are still finding their way with …

Herbal aromas (pine needles and grass), tangerine peel, burned sugar, red apple, something that in a wine I could call subtle VA/nail polish remover Medium body Dry to slightly off-dry Excellent length

Nose of grassy plastic like grass soaked in a plastic box. Palate of smooth straw, light cream, spices. Like the texture and grass finish.

Smells herbal, almost plastic, chamomile, straw, and rubber? Grass. Straw. Texture smooth of enjoyable coffee plastic, creamy, finish of spicey smooth mouth coating.

Deep copper color. Viscous Burnt sugar. Oak and vanilla. Some all spice for baking Medium peaty taste. Tons of pear and stewed red apple Smooth. Inviting. Medium plus finish I have really taken a shine to Japanese Whisky. There seems to be an underlying purity to many of them. Good stuff and good value. Picking out a cigar for this evening.

Angel's Share w Elaine (East Village) : Rich, clean, lifted aromatics. Soft orange peel, toasted rice. Long smooth warm finish, with gentle oak and sapwood. White florals upon watering, gentle and clean.

Medium-light copper color, identical to the Mars Iwai NAS. This has an intense nose of rubber, agave, floral perfume, cedar, cocoa, and Mizunara. The palate starts round, with some rich sweet flavors, but becomes somewhat astringent. Like the Iwai NAS, this performs a disappearing act in the mouth, lingering but a little before fading into oblivion. The nose, at least, is an improvement over the Iwai NAS, which is not saying much as the latter is nearly perfectly nondescript. Buyer …