Tasted at VIP Global Whiskey Seminar led by Robin Robinson in conjunction with First Fill Spirits (Saratoga Springs, NY). This was a limited Spring release of blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu. They began with Iwai Tradition Whisky and finished it for 5 months in Sakura casks (Japanese cherry blossom). The Sakura casks are sourced from Ariake Sangyo Co., Japan’s only independent cooperage; the casks are rectangular due to the wood not being able to hold well in a traditional cask shape. The mash bill of 70% corn and 30% malted barley was aged between 2–5 years in ex-bourbon, sherry, and American oak casks before finishing. Photo courtesy of First Fill Spirits.