Limited Edition Legent Bourbon: A Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend Unveiled by Suntory
In 2019, the collaboration between Jim Beam’s master distiller, Fred Noe, and Suntory’s main blender, Shinji Fukuyo, resulted in a unique Legent Bourbon aged in both wine and Sherry casks.
Suntory has now launched a special edition of Legent, a product that represents innovation in the Bourbon field.
The new release not only includes Bourbon aged in French oak wine casks and Spanish oak Sherry casks but also features Bourbon aged in Sherry casks that previously aged Yamazaki single malt.
The Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend begins as a Kentucky straight Bourbon made from American grain. After an eight-year aging process in Kentucky, it was transferred to the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, for finalizing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery, known for its warm and humid climate.
Fukuyo expressed excitement at the original Legent whiskey as a chance to fuse Eastern and Western flavors.
He elaborated: “Enhancing it with this special edition, influenced by Yamazaki Distillery’s climate, imbued with unique aromas, and refined using our blending techniques, has been a thrilling experience.
“The result is an unparalleled whiskey with new layers of smooth and intricate tastes.”
The application of French wine and Sherry casks bestows rich tones and a lively spiced finish on the finished product, while the ex-Yamazaki Sherry cask adds a robust, malty richness and subtle complexity.
Bottled at 57% ABV, the Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is best enjoyed pure or over ice.
For a limited period, the whisky is available online and in select locations in the US, Canada, Germany, and global travel retail at a recommended retail price of US$199.99.
