Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky

The green-labeled Iwai 45 comes from the Shinshu Distillery as well. This 90-proofer turns the best of the Blue Label up a notch - a remarkably full flavored whisky on the shelf for only 34 dollars. Its profile is defined by leathery notes of raisin and date, and a truly impressive full body. The Iwai 45 is more than capable of holding its own in a variety of cocktail applications, and functions with noteworthy concentration of flavor for neat sipping. No surprise here, but I can attest that it makes an exemplary old fashioned.