Bardstown Bourbon Company has once again raised the bar for American whiskey with its latest release, the Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish, a standout in their Distillery Reserve series. This small-batch whiskey, launched on July 11, 2025, blends the best of Kentucky craftsmanship with the ancient artistry of Japanese Mizunara oak, creating a spirit that’s as unique as it is unforgettable. With only a handful of bottles available, this limited-edition release is already generating buzz among whiskey enthusiasts who crave something bold, rare, and packed with flavor.
The journey to create this whiskey began with a carefully selected blend of straight whiskeys from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, ranging from 9 to 18 years old. The recipe is precise: 47% is a 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley; 33% is a 14-year-old Kentucky bourbon made up of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley; 15% is a 9-year-old Indiana rye whiskey with 45% corn, 51% rye, and 4% malted barley; and 5% is an 18-year-old Tennessee bourbon crafted from 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. This diverse blend sets the stage for a complex base, balancing the sweet, spicy, and bold characteristics of each component.
What makes this whiskey truly special, though, is its 28-month finishing period in six 66-gallon barrels made from rare Japanese Mizunara oak, sourced from the remote forests of Hokkaido, Japan. Mizunara oak is no ordinary wood. Known for its twisted, slow-growing nature, it can take 200 to 500 years to mature, with trees often predating modern history. The volcanic soil of Hokkaido infuses the wood with unique spice and umami notes, while its porous, winding grain poses a challenge for coopers, making each barrel a testament to craftsmanship. Bardstown Bourbon Company embraced this challenge, and the result is a whiskey that showcases the wood’s distinct personality.
The finishing process itself is a story of precision. The whiskey began its journey in Warehouse H on Bardstown’s distillery grounds, stored in a custom-built room designed for large barrels. This area experiences significant temperature swings, which accelerate the extraction of flavors from the Mizunara oak, boosting the whiskey’s proof and infusing it with the wood’s rich character. Later, the barrels were moved to the center of the first floor of Warehouse E, one of Bardstown’s largest rickhouses. This shift allowed the flavors to slowly concentrate, achieving a perfect balance that highlights both the whiskey’s American roots and the exotic influence of the Japanese oak.
Dan Callaway, Master Blender at Lofted Spirits, Bardstown’s parent company, described the process with reverence: “Mizunara oak is unlike anything else in the world. The wood’s unpredictable nature demands skill and reverence, but the payoff is extraordinary. This release is a tribute to craftsmanship—Japanese and American—meeting at the highest level.” His words capture the essence of this whiskey: a marriage of two traditions, each enhancing the other to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
On the nose, this whiskey delivers a rich and inviting aroma. Classic American whiskey notes of caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla form a familiar foundation, but the Mizunara oak adds an intriguing twist with hints of sandalwood, subtle coconut, and a faint whisper of incense. These aromas carry through to the palate, where the whiskey unfolds in layers. The sweet, creamy base of caramel and vanilla is complemented by the wood’s spicy, savory influence, with sandalwood and umami flavors adding depth and complexity. At 109.3 proof (54.65% ABV), it carries a bold warmth that lingers, making each sip a journey worth savoring.
This release is part of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve series, which focuses on experimental finishes, extended aging, and innovative blending techniques. Following the success of their first release, Cathedral French Oak, which gained attention on CBS’ 60 Minutes, the Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish continues the tradition of pushing boundaries. Packaged in 375mL bottles, the release is extremely limited, with only six barrels producing what’s estimated to be around 4,000 bottles—though the actual number is likely lower due to evaporation and other factors. Priced at $99.99, it’s exclusively available at Bardstown Bourbon’s distillery gift shop in Bardstown, Kentucky, and their tasting room in Louisville.
For whiskey collectors and enthusiasts, the scarcity of this release adds to its allure. Mizunara oak is one of the rarest woods in the world, and its use in American whiskey is still relatively uncommon. The combination of its unique flavor profile and the limited production makes this bottle a true collector’s item. Those who manage to snag one will not only enjoy a remarkable drinking experience but also own a piece of whiskey history.
Bardstown Bourbon Company, part of Lofted Spirits, has built a reputation for innovation while staying true to the traditions of Kentucky whiskey-making. Their state-of-the-art distillery, one of the most advanced on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, allows them to experiment with techniques that set them apart in the industry. Their accolades speak for themselves: named Icons of Whisky Global Brand Innovator of the Year in 2025, the highest-rated American Whiskey by Whisky Advocate in 2024, and Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year in 2023. With releases like the Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish, it’s clear why they’re earning such praise.
For those planning a trip to Kentucky, a visit to Bardstown Bourbon’s distillery or Louisville tasting room is a must. The Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish is more than just a whiskey—it’s a story of craftsmanship, patience, and the bold pursuit of flavor. Whether you’re sipping it neat, sharing it with friends, or adding it to your collection, this whiskey promises an experience that’s as rare as the wood it’s finished in. For more details, check out BardstownBourbon.com.
