By Richard Thomas
Ranking: B
Kentucky Owl Takumi
(Credit score: Richard Thomas)
Kentucky Owl launched their St. Patrick’s Version earlier this 12 months, I rolled my eyes so laborious the thud on the ground was audible in Louisville, Cincinnati and Bowling Inexperienced. Kentucky Bourbon for an Irish vacation stretches issues a bit far for even an informal drinker, I ought to suppose. For these of us who’ve spent years beating the drum of the Irish single malt whiskey revival and celebrated their explosion of distillery development … properly, on the time, I felt it greatest to remain quiet.
However right here I’m writing in regards to the subsequent Kentucky Owl launch, and I convey it up as a result of I’m relieved to say it isn’t practically as odious an idea. Kentucky Owl Grasp Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery Grasp Blender Yusuke Yahisa. My preliminary response to Takumi, earlier than studying something about it, was that it will need to have been completed in Mizunara casks. Alas, that isn’t the case. As an alternative, it’s a collaborative effort. Rhea despatched Yahisa samples of bourbon (4 to six and 13 years outdated; no wheated bourbon) to work with, and Yahisa common these right into a mixing recipe at 100 proof.
So, somewhat than fall into the tiny class of American whiskeys completed in Mizunara wooden, it as a substitute falls into the additionally tiny class of American whiskeys common by grasp blenders from different international locations. It’s nonetheless a worthy thought, all of the extra so in opposition to the backdrop of a bourbon elbowing into St. Patrick’s Day.
The Bourbon
This center amber pour has a crisp nostril, one which raises up the caramel with notes of sandalwood. The palate flows out of that to turn into fruity and spicy in pretty equal measures, however spicy in a decidedly herbaceous, minty means. The end goes down peppery and a bit sizzling.
The Value
Kentucky Owl Takumi Bourbon is priced at $150 per bottle.
