Kentucky Owl has unveiled its newest collaborative bourbon, the Takumi Version. The brand new whiskey was made backwards and forwards between Kentucky and Japan.
The Takumi Version is the second restricted version launch from Kentucky Owl this 12 months, following the February launch of St. Patrick’s Bourbon. The Takumi Version Bourbon is a mix of 4-, 5-, 6- and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash payments containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.
The collaboration between Grasp Blenders John Rhea (Kentucky Owl) and Yusuke Yahisa (Nagahama Distillery) showcases the brand new distinctive mix of Japanese whiskey and Kentucky bourbon. Rhea and Yahisa labored collectively to create the ensuing Takumi Version mix, with Rhea deciding on 4 completely different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated these samples, which represented completely different ages and mash payments out there from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created completely different blends with these formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky model.
Japan and Kentucky each respect conventional craftsmanship and ideologies, whereas additionally appreciating innovation. The Japanese time period kaizen — steady enchancment — echoes by this newest challenge. “Takumi” means “grasp” in Japanese, with the identify of the discharge celebrating the artwork and craft of contemporary whisky mixing.
“This collaboration encompasses not simply the artwork of mixing, however the flavors and style profiles that each nations are well-known for of their whiskeys,” mentioned Rhea. “The Takumi Version offers bourbon lovers perception into the flavour profiles wanted by a Japanese whisky blender. As somebody who has labored within the trade for a number of many years now, it was thrilling for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a novel perspective.”
On the nostril, the bourbon delivers a savory combine of sunshine rye bread with candy caramel richness and a touch of tangy fruit salad. The palate presents buttery rye bread with a full-bodied really feel. The savory mixture of rye and caramel mix right into a cinnamon and caramel sauce that adheres to the style buds and brings out a little bit of fruitiness — principally apple and pear — that gives a flavorful and lasting end.
“Bringing collectively Rhea and Yahisa, bourbon and whisky, Kentucky and Japan have proved to be one other nice whiskey collaboration,” commented Damian McKinney, World CEO of Stoli® Group. “By means of this second restricted version worldwide collaboration launch of Kentucky Owl Whiskey, Stoli is happy to current one other uncommon new mix that marries the craft and expertise of two Grasp Blenders from two nice whiskey-making nations.”
Bottled at 50% ABV, The Kentucky Owl Takumi Version Bourbon Whiskey will retail for $150 starting in October by nice retailers throughout the model’s nationwide distribution footprint.
For extra data, head over to Stoli Group’s official web site.
In April, Kentucky Owl introduced the second launch in The Wiseman collection, a straight rye whiskey.
