Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary) vs WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)
Shinshu
£165

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£124
| Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary) | WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | WhistlePig |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 58.8% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £165.26 | £124 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £165.
For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (58.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£165.26 vs £124)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Mars?
Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy WhistlePig?
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Mars Komagatake 2012 (bottled 2016) (cask 1555) (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)
Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World