Stoli® Group is saying the discharge of its newest collaboration, the Kentucky Owl® Takumi Version Bourbon Whiskey. Accessible this fall throughout the U.S., the Takumi Version is the second restricted version launch from Kentucky Owl® this 12 months showcasing the model’s revolutionary method to conventional bourbon. A collaboration between Grasp Blenders John Rhea (Kentucky Owl®) and Yusuke Yahisa (Nagahama Distillery), this newest restricted version launch blends new and previous, showcasing Kentucky bourbon by way of the eyes of Japanese whisky. Each Kentucky and Japan are house to whiskey lovers who respect custom and craftsmanship, however who additionally admire innovation. The Japanese time period kaizen — steady enchancment — echoes by way of this newest challenge. “Takumi” means “grasp” in Japanese, with the title of the discharge celebrating the artwork and craft of contemporary whisky mixing.
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 accessible from Kentucky Owl®. Yahisa then created completely different blends with these formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky fashion.
“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 gives 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 a long time now, it was thrilling for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a singular perspective.”
Talking of the collaboration, Yahisa mentioned, “I used to be very excited to have the chance to work with John Rhea on this distinctive challenge. Bourbon is a whiskey that I love and it was an honor to have the ability to accomplice with John and create a brand new and distinctive mix of Kentucky Owl collectively.”
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 nostril includes a savory combine of sunshine rye bread with candy caramel richness and a touch of tangy fruit salad. On tasting, there’s an preliminary wave of 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 present a flavorful and lasting end.
“Bringing collectively Rhea and Yahisa, bourbon and whisky, Kentucky and Japan has proved to be one other nice whiskey collaboration,” commented Damian McKinney, International CEO of Stoli® Group. “Via 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 abilities of two Grasp Blenders from two nice whiskey making nations.”
Yahisa is an up-and-coming grasp blender — by way of his mixing abilities, Nagahama distillery is certainly one of solely 10 Japanese distilleries to have earned awards on the planet’s three largest whisky competitions (San Francisco World Spirits Competitors, Worldwide Spirits Competitors and the World Whisky Awards), regardless of being Japan’s smallest distillery. Began in 2016, Nagahama Distillery is situated on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and produces single malt whisky with its personal distinct taste traits imparted by the distinctive local weather.
That is the fourth Kentucky Owl® launch beneath Rhea, who beforehand served as 4 Roses Distillery’s chief working officer, the place his duties included high quality management, maturation, analysis and product mixing. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Corridor of Fame in 2016 and served as chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Affiliation board of administrators.
Stoli® Group, the main world ultra-premium spirits and wine firm, bought Kentucky Owl® in 2017. Initially based by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl® Bardstown distillery went darkish throughout the Prohibition period and remained dormant till a descendant revived the model in 2014. Since then, the corporate’s small batch releases have offered out rapidly and acquired rave critiques.
The Kentucky Owl® Takumi Version Bourbon Whiskey (100 proof/50% ABV, $150 MSRP/750mL), is the most recent addition to the Kentucky Owl® portfolio, following the discharge of the St. Patrick’s Restricted Version Bourbon Whiskey in March 2022. The Kentucky Owl® Takumi Version shall be accessible starting in October by way of nice retailers throughout the model’s nationwide distribution footprint.
