Hakushu 12 Year Old vs Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023
A side-by-side look at two Japanese whiskies to help you decide which one fits your palate and budget.
At a Glance
| Hakushu 12 Year Old | Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48% |
| Age Statement | 12 years | NAS |
| Price Tier | $100 – $250 | $100 – $250 |
| Distillery | Hakushu Distillery | Mars Shinshu (Komagatake) Distillery |
| JSLMA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
Category
Hakushu Single Malt
Mars Single Malt
ABV
Hakushu 43%
Mars 48%
Age Statement
Hakushu 12 years
Mars NAS
Price Tier
Hakushu $100 – $250
Mars $100 – $250
Distillery
Hakushu Hakushu Distillery
Mars Mars Shinshu (Komagatake) Distillery
JSLMA Compliant
Hakushu Yes
Mars Yes
Tasting Notes
| Hakushu 12 Year Old | Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Fresh and green with notes of mint, cucumber, green apple, pear and a gentle wisp of smoke. | Fresh apple, pear, honey, floral notes |
| Palate | Crisp and clean with herbal notes, white pepper, green leaf, and subtle citrus. Light to medium body. | Soft and rounded with orchard fruits, light caramel, vanilla, gentle spice |
| Finish | Refreshingly clean with lingering mint, gentle smoke and a touch of sweetness. | Medium length with clean fruit and oak |
Nose
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Fresh and green with notes of mint, cucumber, green apple, pear and a gentle wisp of smoke.
Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023
Fresh apple, pear, honey, floral notes
Palate
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Crisp and clean with herbal notes, white pepper, green leaf, and subtle citrus. Light to medium body.
Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023
Soft and rounded with orchard fruits, light caramel, vanilla, gentle spice
Finish
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Refreshingly clean with lingering mint, gentle smoke and a touch of sweetness.
Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023
Medium length with clean fruit and oak
Key Differences
- • Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023 comes in stronger at 48% ABV compared to Hakushu 12 Year Old's 43%.
- • Hakushu 12 Year Old has a 12 year age statement, while Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2023 is a no-age-statement (NAS) release.
- • They come from different distilleries: Hakushu Distillery and Mars Shinshu (Komagatake) Distillery.