Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu vs WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu
Shinshu
★ 5.00
£125
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£124
| Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu | WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | WhistlePig |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 52% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £125 | £124 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £125.
For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 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 £124)
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£124 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 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
Only Mars Komagatake Kohiganzakura - Nature of Shinshu
Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World