In the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, where rolling hills meet a proud bourbon heritage, RD1 Spirits has crafted something special—a whiskey that tells a story bigger than the Bluegrass State. Their 2025 Limited Release, dubbed "Sister Cities," is a bold yet thoughtful blend that marries Kentucky’s whiskey tradition with the unique influences of Japanese Mizunara and French Oak. This isn’t just another bottle on the shelf; it’s a tribute to global connections, inspired by Lexington’s sister cities in Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France. For whiskey lovers who appreciate a good story as much as a smooth pour, this release is a must-try.
RD1 Spirits, a brand known for pushing the boundaries of bourbon with innovative wood-finishing techniques, has created a whiskey that’s as much about culture as it is about flavor. The Sister Cities expression combines a 5-year-old bourbon, a 7-year-old bourbon, and an 8-year-old rye, each bringing its own character to the mix. The result is a Kentucky Straight Whiskey that’s finished with two distinct woods—Mizunara from Japan and French Oak from France—creating a sipping experience that’s complex, balanced, and unlike anything else in RD1’s lineup.
The journey starts with the 5-year-old bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged in new, charred American White Oak barrels. To add depth, RD1 introduced French Oak "necklaces" to the casks, extending the maturation time twice as long as their standard French Oak-finished bourbon. This step alone brings a rich, sweet oakiness to the blend. Then, they layered in a 7-year-old bourbon with a slightly different mash bill—75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley—for added smoothness and grain-forward notes. The final touch is an 8-year-old rye, composed of 51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley, which injects a spicy kick. To top it off, lightly toasted Japanese Mizunara staves were added, infusing the whiskey with delicate sandalwood and incense notes that make this blend stand out.
Jarrad Gollihue, RD1’s R&D Master Distiller, sees this release as more than just a new whiskey. “It’s a way to honor the connections between Lexington and its sister cities,” he said. “The Mizunara and French Oak don’t just add flavor—they bring a piece of those cultures into every sip.” The Mizunara, known for its rare and expensive nature in whiskey production, contributes subtle florals, citrus blossom, and a hint of incense. The French Oak, meanwhile, adds layers of baking spice, dark chocolate, and red fruit, rounding out the profile with a touch of elegance.
The final product clocks in at 51% ABV (102 proof), delivering a medium-to-long finish with a soft warmth and a lingering Maraschino cherry note. On the nose, you’ll catch incense and citrus blossom, with a palate that unfolds into a dynamic mix of sandalwood, rye spice, sweet oak, and dark chocolate. It’s the kind of whiskey that invites you to sit back, pour a glass, and savor each layer as it reveals itself.
This release isn’t just winning hearts—it’s earning accolades. The Sister Cities expression took home a gold medal and scored an impressive 95 points at the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition, a testament to its craftsmanship. Kay Sargent, executive director of the Lexington Sister Cities Commission, praised RD1’s effort, noting, “It’s inspiring to see a local distillery celebrate our global ties with such creativity. This whiskey is a reminder of how something as quintessentially Kentucky as bourbon can connect people across the world.”
For those eager to get their hands on a bottle, RD1 produced just 1,500 cases (six 750ml bottles per case) of this limited release, priced at $69.99 MSRP. It’s available at the newly opened RD1 Distillery at The Commons in Lexington, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that’s quickly becoming a destination for bourbon enthusiasts. Select retailers across the U.S. are also carrying the whiskey, and online purchases will be available later this month through RD1spirits.com. With only a limited number of bottles out there, this is one release you’ll want to snag before it’s gone.
RD1 Spirits, founded in 2020 by Lexington entrepreneurs, has made a name for itself by exploring the frontiers of bourbon through innovative wood finishing. The brand draws inspiration from Lexington’s bourbon history, particularly its first federally registered distillery in 1865. Their focus on how different woods interact with Kentucky Straight Bourbon has led to some exciting releases, but the Sister Cities expression might be their most ambitious yet. It’s a whiskey that doesn’t just taste good—it tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and connection.
Whether you’re a bourbon collector, a rye enthusiast, or just someone who loves a well-made whiskey, RD1’s Sister Cities release offers something special. It’s a chance to sip on a blend that brings together the bold spirit of Kentucky with the nuanced flavors of Japan and France. Pour it neat, add a splash of water, or share it with friends over a good conversation—this whiskey is built for moments that matter.
