Mars : Yakushima Japanese Whisky

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Yakushima Japanese Whisky by Mars

Tasting

Nose
A captivating bouquet of exotic fruits with notes of grilled pineapple, ripe banana, and the sugary sweetness of mango. Slightly salty, iodized nuances interweave with citrus fruits and delicate white flowers, creating remarkable aromatic complexity.

Palate
The attack seduces with the vanilla sweetness of malt and the richness of caramelized fruits. Exotic fruits remain present with a beautiful structure, accompanied by a medium peat note and fine smokiness. The overall profile reveals salty notes that lend a unique maritime dimension.

Food and wine pairings

This whisky is ideally enjoyed neat at room temperature to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. It pairs perfectly with exotic fruit desserts or fine chocolates.

A Japanese whisky with a velvety texture and delicate woody notes

Mars Whisky: Japanese excellence across three climates

The Mars Distillery, founded by Kiichiro Iwai, represents Japanese whisky excellence through its Komagatake and Tsunuki sites. Owned by the Mars Whisky Group, Komagatake, closed in 1992, was reborn in 2011 at an altitude of 800 meters and under harsh weather conditions, while Tsunuki opened in 2016. The innovation lies in the use of three aging sites with different climates, including the tropical island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique approach allows for experimentation with various climatic conditions and creates complex flavor profiles that combine exotic fruits and iodized notes – the unmistakable signature of this pioneer in Japanese whisky.

Yakushima Japanese Spring: an exceptional tropical blend

Yakushima Japanese Spring is a blend of small batches of Single Malts distilled at the Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries. This exceptional blend benefits from aging primarily in bourbon barrels on the tropical island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. The unique environment of this island, characterized by a hot, humid climate and access to pure spring water, gives the whisky its characteristic exotic fruit notes and salty touch.

Some barrels used for this aging process have a remarkable peculiarity: their original heads have been replaced by cherry wood barrel heads, adding extra finesse to the flavor profile. This limited edition Japanese whisky captures the essence of the Japanese spring and the tradition of Hanami (literally "flower viewing"), offering a tasting experience that transports one to the mystical forests of Yakushima.