- Limited edition blended malt Japanese whisky produced by Mars Whisky
- New make single malt distilled at Mars Komagatake Distillery (fka Mars Shinshu) in Nagano and Mars Tsunuki Distillery in Kagoshima; aged and blended at the Mars Yakushima Aging Cellar on Yakushima Island, Japan
- Fourth release (2025) in the Y.A. (Yakushima Aging) series
- 100% malted barley peated to an average of 30 ppm
- Distilled on copper pot stills
- Aged in ex-bourbon barrels; non-age statement
- Aromas of fruitcake, wood smoke, and banana leaf lead to a spike of peat on the palate with Marcona almonds and a hint of hazelnut; the finish offers tempting notes of salt water taffy and candied lemon peel with a whisp of peat smoke
- No added coloring
- Non-chill filtered; 50% ABV
With a significantly higher peat influence than the previous year’s release, Y.A. #4 offers an exciting push and pull between tropical elements and expressive smoke, further displaying how exciting the results can be when Mars experiments with the production variables of its two distilleries and the heavy rain and humidity present at its aging facility on Yakushima Island.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
NV
Country:
Japan
Spirit Type:
Japanese Whisky
Spirit Sub Type:
Blended / Blended Malt
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | JP-XMR-70-04 | 6/700ml |
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
NV
VinePair
Score
96
Date
2023-11-22
"The first edition from Mars™s brand new œY.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
VinePair
Score
94
Date
2024-12-23
"This is the third edition from Mars™ fairly new œY.A.” series. The abbreviated name stands for œYakushima 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."
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"