“Partnering with Fred Noe, Seventh-Generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam Distilling Co, on Legent Bourbon was an honor and an exciting opportunity to create something special that represents East meets West,” said Fifth-Generation Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky Shinji Fukuyo, in a prepared statement. “Taking it one step further to create this limited-edition release that is finished by the climate of Yamazaki Distillery, creating its unique matured aroma, and reimagined with our blending techniques has been an exciting endeavor. The result is a first-of-its-kind whiskey with new layers of rounded and complex flavors.”
Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend starts as Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted from American grain. Following eight years of aging in Kentucky, it then traveled to the outskirts of Kyoto for finishing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery.
For this Legent release, Fukuyo matured the bourbon in French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks to impart in official tasting notes as “rich notes and a vivid spiced finish. The additional reserve is then selected for finishing in the exceptional and rare, former Yamazaki Spanish Oak Casks to introduce a full-bodied, malty depth and infuse nuanced layers of complexity.
“Finally, the three uniquely finished selections are blended with more eight-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in an ultra-premium, harmonious balance of oaky warmth, smooth brightness, and a distinctly long finish with hints of spice.”
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Legent Bourbon, launched in 2019, was “the first innovation” from Fred Noe, Seventh-Generation Master Distiller at James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Fukuyo, marking the first Kentucky Straight Bourbon to be blended with Japanese “expertise.” The Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is its first limited-edition release.
Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend (57% / 114 Proof) will be available for a limited time only online and at select locations in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Global Travel Retail for a suggested retail price of $199.99 USD.
