- 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
- Third release (2024) in the Y.A. (Yakushima Aging) series
- 100% malted barley, lightly peated at an average of 0–3.5 PPM
- Aged 4–6 years in ex-bourbon barrels; non-age statement
- Deep aromas of lemon tea, honey, and leather lead to a fruit-forward palate with notes of banana and pear finishing with gentle salinity
- Non-chill filtered; 51% ABV
A conversation between three distinct production sites, the Y.A. releases show what’s possible when all the whisky-making variables in Mars’s arsenal are employed. The lighter-bodied, orchard-fruit-forward style of whisky from high-altitude Mars Komagatake is blended with the deep and robust style of low-altitude Mars Tsunuki, and the combination is made even more singular through exclusive aging on Yakushima Island, where higher humidity and angel’s share lend tropical and salty notes.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
NV
Country:
Japan
Spirit Type:
Japanese Whisky
Spirit Sub Type:
Blended / Blended Malt
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | JP-XMR-70-03 | 6/700ml |
Press & Reviews
VinePair
Score
94
Date
2024-12-23
"This is the third edition from Mars' fairly new Y.A. series. The abbreviated name stands for Yakushima Aging, while the line itself aims to showcase the unique influence of maturing pure malt on Japan's Yakushima Island. Aged for four to six years in tropical, humid conditions, this lightly peated whisky brims with fruity and floral notes, with hints of subtle caramel and subtle smoke lingering underneath."
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
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."
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"