How Much Does Mars Iwai Tradition Cost in 2026?
Mars Iwai Tradition — All Sizes & Prices
| Bottle Size | Price | Price/oz | Price/Shot | Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750ml (Standard) 25.4 oz | $50.63 | $1.99 | $3.00 | 16.9 |
About Mars Iwai Tradition
Mars Iwai Tradition is a malt-driven blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu Distillery, featuring a 75% malt and 25% corn mash bill matured in sherry, bourbon, and wine casks for a balanced, harmonious profile at 40% ABV. What makes it special is its contemporary Japanese style—soft, layered, and versatile—offering subtle peat hints, fruitiness, and oak complexity that punches above its weight, especially neat or in highballs, outperforming many entry-level scotch blends at its accessible price of $50.63 for 750ml. Ideal for whisky newcomers seeking refined elegance without high cost, or enthusiasts exploring Japanese blends beyond single malts. In its category, it delivers more malt character and refinement than grain-heavy siblings like Iwai 45, trouncing budget scotches while mixing well, though some find it simple compared to pricier Japanese options.
Tasting Notes
👃 Nose
The nose opens with charred American oak, peach candy, and barley grist, layered with vanilla, corn, floral roses, melon, and subtle citrus or nutty notes. Some detect green grass, lemon, or a shy vanilla toasted oak profile, though it can feel light or puckeringly faint.
👅 Palate
A simple yet pleasant palate delivers oranges, roses, vanilla custard, and dates upfront, transitioning to caramel, watermelon, mint, oak, heather, char, or liquid toffee with green/red apple. Creamy mouthfeel from high corn and fat pot stills, with sherry influence, subtle peat, and tannins adding edge without harshness.
✨ Finish
Peach skins, bitter citrus pith, roses, pepper, oak, or spicy sweetness fade medium-length, sometimes quickly with lingering tannins or earthiness.
Popular Cocktails with Mars Iwai Tradition
Iwai Highball — Fill a highball glass with ice, pour 2 oz Mars Iwai Tradition over ice, top with chilled soda water, and garnish with lemon twist.
Iwai Sour — Shake 2 oz Mars Iwai Tradition with 0.75 oz lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and egg white; strain into rocks glass over ice.
Iwai Old Fashioned — Stir 2 oz Mars Iwai Tradition with 0.25 oz demerara syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters over a large ice cube, garnish with orange peel.
Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, Roast chicken, Dark chocolate, Cheese platter, Spicy sushi rolls
