Shinshu Mars The Y.A. 52% NV

Distillerie	Tsunuki
Embouteilleur	OB
Serie	The Y.A. edition #1
Mise en bouteille pour
Date de distillation	Not Specified
Date de mise en bouteille	2022
Pays	Japon
Région	Japon
Age	8
Cask Type
Numéro de fût	Bottle code 42M40
Alcohol %	52%
Volume
État	dans son emballage d'origine
Étiquette	Parfait
Stock	1

Avis professionnels

BOW (87)

A Unique Expression of Yakushima

Introduction

The Japanese whisky brand Mars is rightfully known as "The Rising Star of Japanese Whisky." With various distilleries and maturation warehouses, Mars makes optimal use of the diverse climate influences that the country has to offer. They have two distilleries, Shinshu and Tsunuki, and a maturation warehouse on the subtropical island of Yakushima.

Y.A., which stands for Yakushima Aging, showcases the influence of maturation on the extraordinary island of Yakushima. The first release in this new series is a Blended Malt Japanese Whisky, consisting of Single Malts from the Shinshu Distillery and the Tsunuki Distillery, fully matured on the island of Yakushima. It is an authentic 100% Japanese whisky. Since 1993, the island of Yakushima has been recognized as a "UNESCO World Heritage Site." The heat and high humidity on the island create a unique environment for the maturation of whiskies from the two distilleries, Shinshu and Tsunuki.

Tasting Notes:

This Blended Malt reveals typical tropical aromas such as orange, pineapple, and banana.

- Nose: Initially, aromas of orange, caramelized pineapple, and banana emerge. Subtle hints of salt and vanilla add a delicate touch and complexity. A sweet note of caramel balances the whisky.

- Palate: The palate also offers juicy and tropical fruits. The refined saltiness immediately brings to mind the Pacific Ocean that surrounds the island.

- Finish: The finish lingers with the presence of fruity notes, supported by the sweet taste of malt.

Conclusion

Mars Y.A. Blended Malt Japanese Whisky is a unique expression that showcases the influence of Yakushima on whisky maturation. With its tropical aromas, refined saltiness, and lingering fruitiness in the finish, this whisky provides a distinctive tasting experience. The combination of the Shinshu and Tsunuki distilleries, along with maturation on the island of Yakushima, results in a whisky that celebrates the diversity and craftsmanship of Japanese whisky.

Serge Valentin (86)

This one is new. It is one of the rare genuinely Japanese blended malts, without any whiskies sourced from abroad as they've only used Tsunuki and Komagate (Mars Shinshu), and then aged the casks on the island of Yakushima, where 'it's raining for 35 days per month'. That's more or less like Islay except during Feis Ile, no? Colour: straw. Nose: rather a lot of fresh bourbon wood at first, which would include the usual vanilla, bananas, brioche dough, possibly papayas, then a chalky side, some buckwheat flour, muesli, cassata… I find it well in the style of many Mars ex-bourbon. With water: tiny whiffs of pine and menthol, otherwise it's all the same. Perhaps a little gianduja or something like that. Mouth (neat): sweet, pure, with gummy bears, bitter, tart apples (cider apples) and rather a lot of green pepper. I find it a little hot, I have to say, perhaps is it very young? The joys of NAS. With water: rounder for sure but the bitterish wood – and the island – was very active. Having said that, apples and bananas maintain control. Finish: medium, classic ex-bourbon. A touch of salty chutney in the aftertaste. Comments: excellent, as is almost everything from Mars, perhaps just a notch on the oaky side.