- Limited-edition blended pure malt Japanese whisky distilled at Mars Shinshu and Mars Tsunuki Distilleries and aged in the Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar
- Distilled in copper pot stills from 100% malted barley, a blend of barley unpeated and peated to 3.5 parts per million
- Non-age statement; aged primarily in ex-bourbon barrels with some ex-sherry casks
- Aromas of vanilla wafers, young pineapple, orange zest, and Bartlett pear skin precede a palate of candied tropical fruit, roasted sweet potato, and vanilla saltwater taffy leading to a long finish of malt and subtle smoke
- Gold medalist at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 1740 bottles released in the US
- Non-chill filtered; 52% ABV
The Y.A. Series (this marks the first edition) has been created to further explore the influence of the Mars aging cellar in Yakushima. Single malts from both Mars Shinshu, high up in the Alps, and Mars Tsunuki, in southern Kagoshima, are aged and blended on the remote island. 135 kilometers south of Kagoshima, Yakushima is lush with subtropical evergreen forests and vegetation. Heavy precipitation, humidity, and coastal influence all contribute to the island’s fingerprint on the maturation of Mars’ whisky.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
NV
Country:
Japan
Region:
Nagano
Spirit Type:
Japanese Whisky
Spirit Sub Type:
Blended / Blended Malt
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | JP-XMR-70-01 | 6/700ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
San Francisco Spirits Comp
Score
1
Date
2023-04-27
"Gold"
VinePair
Score
96
Date
2023-11-22
"The first edition from Mars's brand new Y.A. series, this line seeks to showcase the unique influence of aging pure malt on Japan's Yakushima Island. Primarily matured in bourbon casks, this whisky sings a tune of salty seawater and tropical fruit. It soon follows with a broad range of aromas and flavors, including leather, licorice, and cedar wood. A slightly smoky finish brings further nuance, and at 52 percent ABV, this dram can comfortably handle a few drops of water, bringing new and interesting flavors and aromas to the fore."
Whisky Advocate
Score
91
Date
2022-12-01
"Mars whiskies made at Shinshu and Tsunuki distilleries are combined then matured in the aging cellar on Yakushima Island. The nose has honeydew, white grape, green apple, sea salt, sugar-dusted Turkish delight, taffy, and some floral top notes. The palate delivers baked apple, fresh fig, gooseberry, and sweet citrus, with a spicy phase of pepper, ginger, and clove that really goes the distance, with spice and chocolate to finish. (1,740 bottles)"