Iwai is the everyday Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu, the Hombo family distillery set high in the Nagano Alps at one of Japan's highest-altitude whisky sites. Named for Kiichiro Iwai, the pioneer who mentored the founders of Japan's whisky industry, it leans on a corn-forward recipe aged in ex-bourbon barrels for a smooth, American-influenced profile. The result is an approachable, mellow pour with soft caramel sweetness that drinks beautifully neat or in a highball, and makes an easy introduction to the category.