{"product_id":"mars-tsunuki-x-akkeshi-malt-duo-whisky","title":"Mars Tsunuki x Akkeshi Malt Duo Whisky","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi\u003c\/strong\u003e is a limited-edition \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Blended Malt Whisky\u003c\/strong\u003e created through an unusual collaboration between \u003cstrong\u003eMars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAkkeshi Distillery in Hokkaido\u003c\/strong\u003e. The two distilleries exchanged malt spirit beginning in \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c\/strong\u003e, then matured the whiskies in their respective climates. This Tsunuki-bottled edition combines \u003cstrong\u003eTsunuki and Akkeshi malt whiskies matured at Mars Tsunuki Distillery\u003c\/strong\u003e, primarily from \u003cstrong\u003e2018 distillation and ex-bourbon barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e. Bottled at a robust \u003cstrong\u003e51% ABV \/ 102 proof\u003c\/strong\u003e in a \u003cstrong\u003e700ml bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e, it delivers yellow orchard fruit, pineapple, custard, maple, citrus, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, subtle smoke, and refreshing mineral character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess \u0026amp; Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Malt Duo project was created to explore how \u003cstrong\u003edistillery character and maturation environment interact\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mars Tsunuki and Akkeshi both began distillation in \u003cstrong\u003e2016\u003c\/strong\u003e, but their locations could hardly be more different: Tsunuki lies in the warmer southern climate of \u003cstrong\u003eKagoshima on Kyushu\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Akkeshi is located in cool, maritime \u003cstrong\u003eHokkaido\u003c\/strong\u003e in northern Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eMars Tsunuki Distillery\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whisky is built primarily around spirit \u003cstrong\u003edistilled in 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e and matured mainly in \u003cstrong\u003eex-bourbon barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e. After more than five years of maturation, the whiskies were blended at Tsunuki and bottled as a genuine \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Blended Malt Whisky\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the aroma is bright and expressive, showing \u003cstrong\u003ered apple, pineapple, mint, maple, nutmeg, green citrus, custard, and pancake-like sweetness\u003c\/strong\u003e. Additional impressions of vanilla, caramel, and light smoke provide greater depth beneath the fresh fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is layered and energetic, with \u003cstrong\u003egrilled pineapple, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, lemon peel, and juicy fresh fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e. Citrus acidity gives the whisky lift, while subtle malt sweetness and a gentle smoky undertone add complexity without overwhelming the fruit-driven core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish is smooth and persistent, carrying \u003cstrong\u003earomatic sweetness, citrus freshness, gentle mineral notes, oak spice, and a light cooling sensation\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 51% ABV gives the whisky substantial texture and concentration while maintaining balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes \u003cstrong\u003eMars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003edistillery style, geography, and climate\u003c\/strong\u003e. This was the \u003cstrong\u003esecond release in Mars Whisky’s Malt Duo series\u003c\/strong\u003e, following Komagatake × Chichibu in 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduction was limited to \u003cstrong\u003e11,000 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the original Japanese release arrived in \u003cstrong\u003elate November 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mars now lists the expression as discontinued, making remaining bottles increasingly collectible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy it \u003cstrong\u003eneat\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a limited-edition \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Blended Malt Whisky\u003c\/strong\u003e combining malt whisky from Mars Tsunuki Distillery and Akkeshi Distillery, with both components in this bottling matured at \u003cstrong\u003eMars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the key specs of Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe whisky is bottled at \u003cstrong\u003e51% ABV \/ 102 proof\u003c\/strong\u003e in a \u003cstrong\u003e700ml bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is primarily composed of malt distilled in \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c\/strong\u003e and matured mainly in \u003cstrong\u003eex-bourbon barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e. Production was limited to \u003cstrong\u003e11,000 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow was Mars Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTsunuki 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat flavors characterize Tsunuki × Akkeshi Malt Duo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect \u003cstrong\u003eapple, pineapple, mint, maple, nutmeg, green citrus, custard, grilled pineapple, cereal, dried fig, hazelnut, vanilla, gentle smoke, and mineral notes\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by a fresh citrus-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes Mars Whisky Malt Duo Tsunuki × Akkeshi special?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts distinction comes from the collaboration between \u003cstrong\u003etwo Japanese distilleries with dramatically different climates\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"700 mL","offer_id":50614885056760,"sku":"80393","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0352\/3140\/0072\/files\/Mars-Tsunuki-x-Akkeshi-Malt-Duo-Whisky-2024-700ml.webp?v=1790109523","url":"https:\/\/thebourboncentral.com\/products\/mars-tsunuki-x-akkeshi-malt-duo-whisky","provider":"Bourbon Central","version":"1.0","type":"link"}