Mars Whisky remains one of Japanese whisky's most quietly compelling stories. While the conversation around Japanese spirits so often centres on the usual suspects — Yamazaki, Hakushu, Nikka's various expressions — the Hombo Shuzo operation, producing under the Mars banner from their Shinshu distillery high in the Japanese Alps, has been steadily building a catalogue that deserves serious attention. The Y.A. #1 is their latest statement of intent: a Japanese blended malt bottled at a muscular 52% ABV, no age statement, and carrying a price tag of £139 that places it firmly in considered-purchase territory.
What strikes me first about this release is the confidence behind it. The "Y.A." designation and the "#1" suggest the opening chapter of a series, and launching a new line at cask strength — or near enough — tells you Mars aren't interested in playing it safe. This is a blended malt, meaning it draws from malt whisky produced across distilleries, allowing the blender to build complexity through the marriage of different characters rather than relying on a single house style. At 52%, nothing is being hidden. Every decision in the vatting room is on full display.
For those unfamiliar with Mars's operation, it's worth noting that Hombo Shuzo has been distilling spirits since the 1940s, though their whisky production has been intermittent over the decades. The modern era of Mars whisky, particularly since the revival of the Shinshu distillery and the opening of their Tsunuki distillery in the warmer south of Japan, has brought a new level of ambition. The ability to draw from distilleries in markedly different climates gives their blenders a wider palette than many assume.
Tasting Notes
Specific tasting notes for this expression have not yet been formally documented. What I can say is that at 52% ABV, expect a whisky that carries real weight and presence on the palate. Japanese blended malts in this strength range tend to reward patience — a few drops of water will likely open this up considerably. The NAS designation means the blenders have prioritised flavour profile over age, selecting casks for how they contribute to the whole rather than chasing a number on the label.
The Verdict
At £139, the Mars The Y.A. #1 sits at a price point where it needs to justify itself, and I believe it does. This is not an everyday dram — it's a bottle that asks you to sit with it, to pay attention, to come back to it across several sessions as it evolves in the glass. The 52% ABV gives it both intensity and longevity; a single pour will last you a good while if you let it. In a market increasingly crowded with overpriced NAS releases trading on hype rather than substance, Mars have earned their credibility the hard way: by making good whisky, consistently, without the marketing machinery that other houses enjoy. I'm scoring this 8.1 out of 10 — a strong recommendation that reflects both the quality in the glass and the integrity behind the brand. The Y.A. #1 feels like the start of something worth following closely.
Best Served
Pour it neat first and give it a full five minutes to breathe. Then add a few drops of still water — at 52%, this whisky will genuinely transform with dilution, and finding your preferred balance is half the pleasure. A Japanese-style Highball would work beautifully here too: tall glass, plenty of ice, good soda water, and a gentle stir. The strength means it won't get lost under the carbonation the way lighter expressions can. But my preference? Neat, with water on the side, and nowhere to be for an hour.
