About the product
Mars Iwai Gin is a distinctive Japanese craft gin produced by the Mars Shinshu Distillery, known for its precision and balance in spirit-making. Crafted using a base spirit derived from distillation techniques similar to those used in Japanese whisky, it offers a smooth and refined foundation.
Infused with a blend of traditional and Japanese botanicals, this gin delivers a harmonious profile. Notes of juniper are complemented by bright citrus, subtle green tea, and delicate herbal undertones, creating a clean and elegant character.
On the palate, it is soft and well-balanced, with a gentle complexity that unfolds gradually. The finish is crisp and refreshing, with lingering citrus and light spice.
Versatile and approachable, Mars Iwai Gin is ideal for classic cocktails like gin and tonic or martini, while also offering a nuanced experience when enjoyed neat.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
This gin is noted for its "silky" texture and a flavor profile that leans into citrus and tea rather than heavy spice.
- Nose Calming and precise. It opens with bright Yuzu zest and fresh lemon, followed by a delicate, earthy scent of steamed green tea and forest air.
- Palate Smooth and balanced. You will find Juniper weaving subtly through layers of Sansho pepper (a numbing spice) and citrus oils. The kumquat provides a unique, sweet-tart backbone that sets it apart from London Dry styles.
- Finish Clean and enduring. It leaves a refreshing trail of Shiso leaf and ginger, with a final, cooling wisp of cinnamon and mint.
Food Pairings
Because of its restrained, herbal character, Mars Iwai Gin is an elite companion for Japanese cuisine and light, fresh flavors.
- Savory Sashimi or Nigiri. The clean, citrus-forward profile acts as a palate cleanser for fatty fish like Hamachi (Yellowtail) or O-Toro (Bluefin Tuna).
- Main Tempura Vegetables with Matcha Salt. The green tea botanicals in the gin harmonize perfectly with the earthy notes of the matcha salt.
- Appetizer Oysters with a Yuzu Mignonette. The gin’s own Yuzu and citrus notes amplify the brightness of the dressing.
- Sweet Lemon Tart or White Chocolate Ginger Bark. The ginger and lemon botanicals provide a bridge to the sweetness of the dessert.
About the brand
Mars Whisky, owned by Hombo Shuzo, has a lineage tracing back to the "silent pioneer" of Japanese whisky, Kiichiro Iwai. While the brand is world-famous for its Komagatake single malts, the Wa Bi Gin (translating to "Japanese Beauty") was launched to showcase the botanical diversity of Japan’s southern islands. In 2026, this gin is recognized for its "meditative" quality—it doesn't shout with aggressive juniper, but rather unfolds with the quiet elegance of a Japanese garden. It is a "Single Estate" style spirit where nearly all botanicals are sourced locally from the Kagoshima prefecture.
