Mars The Y.A. #3 Blended Malt Japanese Whisky (700mL)

• • Limited edition, annually released blended 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
  • Vatting of whiskies distilled from 100% malted barley, lightly peated to an average of 0–3.5 PPM, and distilled on copper pot stills
  • 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.