Mars 'Komagatake' Yakushima Aging Japanese Whisky 2021
Mars 'Komagatake' Yakushima Aging Japanese Whisky 2021 is a 56% ABV (112 proof) Japanese single malt — the fourth release of Mars Whisky's Yakushima Aging series. Distilled at Mars Shinshu, Japan's highest whisky distillery at 2,625 feet in the Nagano Alps, the whisky travels south to the humid island of Yakushima — 60 km off the Kagoshima mainland, amid lush cedar forests — to age 3 to 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks. The malted barley is peated to 20 or 50 ppm before distillation, and the whisky is bottled non-chill filtered. Only 522 bottles were released in the US, and the 2021 edition scored 95 points from Spirits Lover. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 56% (112 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Aging: 3–5 years on Yakushima island; ex-bourbon + ex-sherry casks
- Malt: peated to 20 or 50 ppm before distillation
- Edition: 2021, 4th release; 522 US bottles; non-chill filtered
Alps Distilled, Island Aged
Yakushima's temperate climate and humid air work on the whisky unlike anything in Nagano: the nose is delicate and fragrant — orange zest, gooseberry, yellow fruit, white flowers, honey, vanilla, and a mild coastal peat. The palate turns more intense, peaty notes intertwining with floral and citrus in a persuasive texture of orange cream, sweet spices, and licorice; the meditative finish carries cayenne pepper, honey, and a touch of brackish frost. The Hombo family began as shochu producers in 1909, took their whisky license in 1949 with advisor Kiichiro Iwai's help, and now distils at two sites plus the Yakushima aging location. Explore Japanese whisky or the full Mars Shinshu Distillery lineup.
Tasting Notes
Nose: delicate and fragrant — orange zest, gooseberry, yellow fruit, white flowers, honey, vanilla, mild coastal peat. Palate: intense — peat intertwined with floral and citrus, orange cream, sweet spices, licorice. Finish: meditative — cayenne pepper, honey, touch of brackish frost.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn — at 56% a few drops of water will open the citrus and florals. A collector's pour for Japanese whisky enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why age whisky on Yakushima? The humid, temperate island climate amid cedar forests accelerates and shapes maturation differently from the alpine conditions at Mars Shinshu — the brand's signature experiment.
Is it peated? Yes, mildly — the malt is peated to 20 or 50 ppm before distillation, giving a gentle coastal peat character.
How rare is the 2021 edition? Only 522 bottles were released in the US; it is the fourth release of the Yakushima Aging series.
An island-aged Japanese single malt — buy Mars Komagatake Yakushima Aging 2021 online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.