The Mars Malt Duo is one of the most exciting projects in modern Japanese whisky, a bold collaboration between two distilleries at opposite ends of the archipelago. On one side is Mars Tsunuki in Kagoshima, the southern tip of Kyushu, where hot humid summers and temperate winters lend their own microclimatic stamp. On the other is Akkeshi in remote Hokkaido, an area often compared to Islay for its rugged climate and affinity for peated malt. For this second installment in the series, both distillates were double distilled in traditional copper pots, Akkeshi’s lightly peated new make was shipped south, and maturation occurred entirely at Tsunuki in a mix of mostly ex bourbon casks with other woods quietly playing a role. After a minimum of five years the two spirits were blended and bottled on site, yielding a whisky that speaks to the unique dialogue of climate, raw material, and philosophy. At 51% ABV, non chill filtered, and with no coloring, this is a pure expression of craft. The nose offers ripe orchard fruit and a subtle smoke intertwined with sweet cream and custard. The palate builds with juicy stone fruit, a thread of peat, and a luscious texture that feels simultaneously coastal and tropical. The finish lingers with oak spice, vanilla, and a gentle wisp of smoke. For collectors this marks the continuation of an unprecedented exchange between two of Japan’s rising stars, but for drinkers it is simply a delicious dram that showcases the country’s incredible range.