The search for different ways to finish bourbon continues to get more exotic and creative with each new release. Mizunara is the newest entry in Rabbit Hole Distillery’s top-shelf Founder’s Collection.
Rabbit Hole’s Founder, Kaveh Zamanian, has used Mizunara white oak barrels from Japan to finish 15-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from his personal collection for this latest expression. The trees grow on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and get their name from “mizu” (water) and “nara” (oak). The trees take between 200 and 500 years to mature.
SRP: $1500 per 750 ml bottle
ABV: 51.9%
Availability: 2,200 bottles of Mizunara are available for purchase at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, and in select markets nationwide.
Tasting Notes (from the Distillery): “Each sip of Mizunara greets you with a nose of nutmeg, allspice, walnut, and leather. Balanced by notes of mint, honey, wood, and orange, before filling your palate with a sophisticated mix of earthy and confectionery flavors. Tobacco and oak linger as hints of custard, banana, and cinnamon give way to floral notes, then fade into dark cherry and a lingering chocolate finish.
"For years, I've been fascinated by the terroir and traditions of fine whiskey making. When I finally got my hands on a handful of elusive casks from a small family-owned cooperage in Japan, I knew I wanted to create something special to honor the mystique and beauty of Hokkaido's oak trees. When crafting Mizunara, I chose barrels from my personal collection of Kentucky straight bourbon – each aged to perfection for 15 years – and finished them in casks made of the finest Japanese Mizunara Oak for more than 11 months. This special edition whiskey exemplifies the innovation and creativity that goes into each of our Founder's Collection releases, and we're proud to share this masterpiece with collectors who favor one-of-a-kind whiskeys."
