(Image Source: Stoli, Japanese Whisky)

The popular Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey is heading over to Japan! The result of a collaboration between Kentucky Owl's Master Blender John Rhea and Japanese craft distillery Nagahama Distillery's Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa, is the latest expression - Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition.

Takumi, which means "Master" in Japanese, aptly showcases the beloved Bourbon through the eyes of Nagahama Distillery's Master Blender Yusuke-san. Working together, the two Master Blenders selected four different styles of different ages and mash bills, which were then blended by Yusuke-san.

Read about the Japanese craft distillery Nagahama here!

Yusuke-san from Nagahama Distillery, with John Rhea. (Image Source: Drinks Business)

“I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with John Rhea on this unique project. Bourbon is a whiskey that I admire and it was an honor to be able to partner with John and create a new and unique blend of Kentucky Owl together.”

- Yusuke Yahisa, Nagahama Distillery Master Blender

The new expression is a blend of 4-, 5-, 6-, and 13 Year Old Kentucky straight Bourbons with mashbills encompassing corn, rye, wheat and malted barley. It is bottled at 100 Proof or 50% ABV, and priced at US$150 MSRP, and is the second of the Bourbon's international collaborations.

(Image Source: Stoli)

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma

Savory mix of light rye bread with sweet caramel richness and a hint of tangy fruit salad.

Taste

Initial wave of buttery rye bread with a full-bodied feel. Savory mix of rye and caramel combine into a cinnamon and caramel sauce.

Finish

Fruitiness of apple and pear for a flavorful and lasting finish.

John Rhea with J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey's Louise McGuane. (Image Source: Stoli)

“This collaboration encompasses not just the art of blending, but the flavors and taste profiles that both countries are famous for in their whiskeys,

The Takumi Edition provides bourbon lovers insight into the flavor profiles sought after by a Japanese whisky blender. As someone who has worked in the industry for several decades now, it was exciting for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a unique perspective.”

- John Rhea, Kentucky Owl Master Blender

The Japanese-inspired Bourbon will be made available across the US in October 2022.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot