Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Hokkaido Mizunara Oak

Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish is a transcendent fusion of Kentucky and Japanese craftsmanship. Launched on July 11, 2025, this small-batch blend of 9- to 18-year-old whiskeys is finished in six rare 66-gallon Mizunara oak barrels from Hokkaido for 28 months. Bottled at 109.3 proof in a 375ml bottle, its golden amber hue captivates. Each sip weaves caramel, sandalwood, and umami spice. 

This blend—47% 15-year Kentucky bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley), 33% 14-year Kentucky bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley), 15% 9-year Indiana rye (51% rye, 45% corn, 4% barley), and 5% 18-year Tennessee bourbon (84% corn, 8% rye, 8% barley)—is aged in Warehouse H for rapid extraction, then Warehouse E for balance. Master Blender Dan Callaway calls Mizunara’s unpredictable nature a “tribute to craftsmanship.” Isn’t it time to chase this singular dram? Limited to ~4,000 bottles, it’s a 2025 standout, lauded by many critics.

Nose: Bavarian cream and banana pudding swirl with clove. Maple and cherry tease softly. It’s lush and complex. A whisper of incense lingers.

Palate: French toast and blackberry pudding dance with root beer. Crème fraîche and cinnamon unfold richly. Velvety texture grips the tongue. Subtle coconut sparkles.

Finish: Long and toasty, with tannic oak and caramel. Clove and heavy cream linger warmly. It’s bold yet balanced. A savory, umami close.

Pair with dark chocolate for a decadent contrast. Smoked salmon enhances its umami notes. Try aged manchego for balance. Fig tart amplifies its fruitiness. Feeling bold? Sip with spicy ramen.