- 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."