Mars The Y.A. Double Cask Bakemono Zukushi Emaki No. 6 Nobusuma Bourbon Barrel Matured Single Malt

Meet a whisky where folklore meets finesse. Mars “Y.A. Double Cask Bakemono Zukushi Emaki No. 6 ‘Nobusuma’” is the sixth release in the evocative Bakemono Zukushi Emaki series, inspired by the strange yokai of Japanese legend. This edition combines malt from Komagatake (Nagano) and Tsunuki (Kagoshima). It finishes with a distinctive maturation on Yakushima Island, where rain, sea air, and subtropical heat forge a unique character. Bottled at 55% ABV, it invites serious sipping. The bouquet is delicate yet expressive: vanilla frosting, mandarin peel, honey, and fresh bread crust. On the palate, the profile morphs: orchard fruits meet ground ginger, malt meets caramel, and later, pomegranate and goji berry threads weave through. Whisky Advocate The finish lingers long—bright red apple emerges, citrus sharpens, and subtle oak holds the balance. This is not just whisky—it’s a story in glass, complex yet inviting.

Nose: Vanilla frosting, mandarin peel, honey-drizzled pound cake, lightly yeasty bread crust.

Palate: Orchard fruit brightness, peppery ground ginger, malt sweetness, caramel edges, touches of pomegranate & goji berry.

Finish: Long, vibrant. Red apple brightness, oak return, and gentle citrus zest linger well after the sip.

Pair this with honey-glazed roasted almonds or dried apricot & walnut tart to mirror orchard fruit and bread crust notes. A delicate match: pear & almond mille-feuille or lightly spiced ginger cake match the ginger/pear palate. For savory, try miso-glazed black cod or seared scallop with citrus beurre blanc—the sea-salt and richness echo Yakushima's maritime aging environment.