In Mars Whisky’s ongoing investigation into the regional terroir of Japan’s World Heritage Site Yakushima, and how it influences their whisky, they have released the latest expression of Y.A. Meaning ”Yakushima Aging,” this blended malt whisky is a marriage of whiskies from Nagano’s Komagatake Distillery and Kagoshima’s Tsunuki Distillery. The aging takes place entirely in casks stored in Mars’ Yakushima warehouse amidst tropically humid temperatures, salty sea air, and almost constant rainfall. This expression sees maturation between 4 and 6 years, yielding deep aromas of lemon tea, honey, and leather. The flavor is smoothly fruit forward with top notes of banana and ripe pear that finish with gentle salinity.