This Japanese blended malt comes from Mars Whisky, and was distilled at Hombo Shuzo’s Kagashima and Yamanashi distilleries in 1982. When those distilleries closed in 1984, the whisky was moved to the company’s Shinshu distillery and eventually blended together after 25 years. The nose is malty with muted spices, lemon zest, rose petals, a hint of cedar, honey, and butterscotch. The taste is tart and spicy with lemon pepper, a slight herbal touch with dried flowers, butterscotch, and honey. The finish has lingering spices and a lemony tartness, along with hints of butterscotch and dried flowers. (May, 2016)