- Limited edition, annually released pure malt Japanese whisky distilled at Mars Komagatake Distillery (fka Mars Shinshu) and Mars Tsunuki Distillery and aged at the Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar on Yakushima Island, Japan
- Second release (2023) in the Y.A. (Yakushima Aged) series
- 100% malted barley, peated to an average of 15ppm
- Minimum 3 years old; aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels
- Aromas of banana chips, coconut, custard, and flint lead to a palate of vanilla wafer, caramelized pineapple, and smokey oolong tea on the finish
- Non-chill filtered; 49% ABV
The Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar is four hours south of Kagoshima by boat, on the volcanic island of Yakushima, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The new-make spirits sent here from the distilleries in Nagano and Kagoshima are influenced by the island’s heavy rainfall and coastal breezes, resulting in salty and tropical-fruit-forward whisky blend that has a voice all its own. This second release in the Y.A. series is a compelling follow-up to its debut bottling as the style emerging from the Yakushima cellar continues to evolve.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
NV
Country:
Japan
Spirit Type:
Japanese Whisky
Spirit Sub Type:
Blended / Blended Malt
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | JP-XMR-70-02 | 6/700ml |
| Connecticut Spirit | JP-XMR-70-02CT | 12/700ml |
Press & Reviews
Whisky Advocate
Score
92
Date
2023-12-01
"Generous citrus and tropical fruit aromas, with grilled peach, orange, grapefruit, lime, mango, guava, papaya juice, and a hint of sea spray. This is rich and unctuous on the palate, with creamy white chocolate, banana, apple peels, dried citrus, red grape, and peppercorn, with some late barley and graham cracker notes. Even greater watermelon juiciness emerges with a splash of water."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
NV
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."
NV
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)"
NV
San Francisco Spirits Comp
Score
1
Date
2023-04-27
"Gold"