Mars 1988 Komagatake Single Cask #557

Post by Stefan Van Eycken, Tokyo

A few weeks ago, when we spoke to the guys from Mars distillery, they told us they were about to release a stunning 1988 single cask. We were sworn to secrecy at the time, but it has just hit the shelves so the secret is out. It is drawn from an American white oak cask (#557) that was filled way back in March 1988. Bottled at cask strength (58%abv), it yielded 347 bottles. This is one of the oldest Mars single casks and even though - in tune with developments on the whisky scene here and abroad - prices keep going up (this one retailing for around 20,000 yen), it is bound to sell out fast. We'll let you know what it is like, as soon as the liquid hits our palate.