Mars Tsunuki x Akkeshi Malt Duo Whisky

Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi is a limited-edition Japanese Blended Malt Whisky created through an unusual collaboration between Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima and Akkeshi Distillery in Hokkaido. The two distilleries exchanged malt spirit beginning in 2018, then matured the whiskies in their respective climates. This Tsunuki-bottled edition combines Tsunuki and Akkeshi malt whiskies matured at Mars Tsunuki Distillery, primarily from 2018 distillation and ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at a robust 51% ABV / 102 proof in a 700ml bottle, it delivers yellow orchard fruit, pineapple, custard, maple, citrus, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, subtle smoke, and refreshing mineral character.

Process & Profile

The Malt Duo project was created to explore how distillery character and maturation environment interact. Mars Tsunuki and Akkeshi both began distillation in 2016, but their locations could hardly be more different: Tsunuki lies in the warmer southern climate of Kagoshima on Kyushu, while Akkeshi is located in cool, maritime Hokkaido in northern Japan.

In 2018, the two producers exchanged malt spirit and began aging it away from its original distillery. For this release, Akkeshi malt was matured in Kagoshima at Mars Tsunuki Distillery before being vatted together with Tsunuki’s own malt whisky. The resulting bottle therefore combines two distinct distillery styles shaped by a single maturation environment.

The whisky is built primarily around spirit distilled in 2018 and matured mainly in ex-bourbon barrels. After more than five years of maturation, the whiskies were blended at Tsunuki and bottled as a genuine Japanese Blended Malt Whisky.

In the glass, the aroma is bright and expressive, showing red apple, pineapple, mint, maple, nutmeg, green citrus, custard, and pancake-like sweetness. Additional impressions of vanilla, caramel, and light smoke provide greater depth beneath the fresh fruit.

The palate is layered and energetic, with grilled pineapple, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, lemon peel, and juicy fresh fruit. Citrus acidity gives the whisky lift, while subtle malt sweetness and a gentle smoky undertone add complexity without overwhelming the fruit-driven core.

The finish is smooth and persistent, carrying aromatic sweetness, citrus freshness, gentle mineral notes, oak spice, and a light cooling sensation. The 51% ABV gives the whisky substantial texture and concentration while maintaining balance.

What makes Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi especially compelling is the concept behind it: malt whisky from two distilleries at opposite ends of Japan was exchanged, matured in a different environment, and ultimately blended to explore the combined influence of distillery style, geography, and climate. This was the second release in Mars Whisky’s Malt Duo series, following Komagatake × Chichibu in 2021.

Production was limited to 11,000 bottles, and the original Japanese release arrived in late November 2024. Mars now lists the expression as discontinued, making remaining bottles increasingly collectible.

Enjoy it neat first to appreciate the contrast between bright fruit, creamy malt, citrus, and subtle smoke. A few drops of water can open additional pineapple, apple, custard, vanilla, and mineral notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi?
It is a limited-edition Japanese Blended Malt Whisky combining malt whisky from Mars Tsunuki Distillery and Akkeshi Distillery, with both components in this bottling matured at Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima.

What are the key specs of Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo?
The whisky is bottled at 51% ABV / 102 proof in a 700ml bottle. It is primarily composed of malt distilled in 2018 and matured mainly in ex-bourbon barrels. Production was limited to 11,000 bottles.

How was Mars Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo made?
Tsunuki and Akkeshi exchanged malt spirit in 2018. For this version, Akkeshi malt was matured at Tsunuki in Kagoshima and later blended with Tsunuki’s own mature malt whisky.

What flavors characterize Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo?
Expect apple, pineapple, mint, maple, nutmeg, green citrus, custard, grilled pineapple, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, vanilla, gentle smoke, and mineral notes, followed by a fresh citrus-driven finish.

What makes Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi special?
Its distinction comes from the collaboration between two Japanese distilleries with dramatically different climates, the exchange and cross-maturation of their malt spirit, more than five years of aging, predominantly bourbon-barrel maturation, and very limited production. The result is a whisky that combines Tsunuki’s fruit and malt character with the distinctive influence of Akkeshi spirit in a unique Japanese blended malt.