Balcones True Blue Cask Strength vs Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength
Balcones
★ 5.00
£102

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)
Shinshu
£130
| Balcones True Blue Cask Strength | Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balcones | Shinshu |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Japan |
| Type | Corn | Single Malt |
| ABV | 65.7% | 48% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £101.95 | £129.85 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength
Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength
Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)
Quick verdict
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength is better value at £102 vs £130.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£101.95 vs £129.85)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (65.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£129.85 vs £101.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Balcones?
Balcones True Blue Cask Strength 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 Mars?
Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balcones True Blue Cask Strength
Only Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2019 Edition)