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

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

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of ShinshuThe Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryShinshuThe Antiquary
RegionOther Scotch
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV52%43%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£125£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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).

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)

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

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.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu

Fresh FruitSmokeyToasted

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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