Mars The Y.A. #4 (70cl, 50%)

Mars The Y.A. #4 is a Japanese blended malt from Mars Shinshu Distillery, bottled at 50% in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and of natural colour. It belongs to the Yakushima series and is the stronger-flavoured interpretation of it. Single malts from Komagatake and Tsunuki are blended and matured in the tropical, maritime climate of Yakushima island, mostly in bourbon casks. The character is exotic and fruity, with ripe banana and tropical fruit, joined by earthy peat smoke. A mineral, slightly damp note recalls the mossy forests of the island. The 50% strength adds texture and extends the finish.