The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Antiquary 21 Year OldMars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu
DistilleryThe AntiquaryShinshu
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%52%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£84.9£125
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

Smoke64/100
Sweetness35/100
Beginner30/100
Value40/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £125.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £125)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£125 vs £84.9)

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu 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.

Tasting notes

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

Fresh FruitSmokeyToasted

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