The World Whiskey Society (WWS), a relatively new player in the whiskey world, has made a name for itself by exploring unique and unconventional cask finishes. Their latest release is a bold innovation in the realm of American rye whiskey. This new offering is a 12-year-old Indiana rye, a product that has undergone a rare and unexpected secondary maturation in Japanese ex-Awamori casks, making it the first of its kind.
Image credit: The World Whiskey Society
Rye whiskey is typically known for its robust and spicy profile, with flavors like black pepper, cinnamon, and toasted oak. While many distilleries are content with aging their rye in traditional American oak barrels, WWS has consistently pushed the envelope with its creative approach. The brand is not a distillery itself but works closely with various producers to curate, mature, and finish whiskeys in ways that bring out distinctive flavors. In this case, the 12-year-old rye was sourced from Indiana, almost certainly from MGP—a large distillery renowned for producing high-quality rye whiskey, especially given the whiskey’s age and the region's production history.
What sets this particular whiskey apart is its finishing in Japanese ex-Awamori casks, a process that’s extremely rare in the whiskey industry. Awamori is a traditional Okinawan spirit that has been produced for more than 500 years using long-grain Indica rice. While it is typically aged in clay pots, some Awamori is matured in Japanese oak barrels, which are highly sought after due to their limited availability. Awamori itself is known for its earthy, umami-rich character, often displaying notes of brine, coconut, and tropical fruit. By utilizing these casks for finishing rye whiskey, WWS has brought a whole new dimension to the flavor profile, blending the spicy, bold characteristics of American rye with the exotic and nuanced tastes of this ancient Okinawan spirit.
The flavor journey of this whiskey is both complex and layered. On the nose, traditional rye spices like black pepper and cinnamon are immediately present, with undertones of caramelized sugar and honey adding a soft sweetness. As the whiskey opens up, richer notes of toasted oak and warm spices emerge, complemented by delicate floral tones and tropical hints. The Awamori cask influence becomes most apparent toward the finish, introducing flavors rarely found in rye whiskey—umami, brine, and a subtle touch of salinity—followed by toasted coconut and ripe mango. The result is a whiskey that’s both familiar and intriguingly different, inviting drinkers to experience rye in a new and exciting way.
Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society, emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation and experimentation in his statement about the release. “We’re constantly seeking new ways to experiment with finishes, so when the opportunity to obtain rare ex-Awamori casks presented itself, we seized it and pushed our limits,” Kogan said. “This marks the first time rye whiskey has been finished in these exceptional casks, proving that embracing innovation can lead to valuable insights and remarkable discoveries.”
The World Whiskey Society, though only established in 2020, has quickly gained attention for its adventurous and often luxurious releases. Their portfolio ranges from accessible offerings like their Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday bourbon collections, typically priced between $100 and $150, to ultra-premium selections like a 33-year-old Macallan single malt that retails for nearly $10,000. WWS has also released one-of-a-kind expressions, including a five-year-old Chinese single malt and a Japanese whisky finished in port casks, curated by Chip Tate, founder of Balcones. The brand’s willingness to explore new frontiers in whiskey maturation has made it a standout in a crowded market, and this latest rye whiskey release continues that tradition.
Priced at $169, this limited edition 12-year-old rye whiskey is now available through the World Whiskey Society’s online store and select retailers nationwide. Given the rarity of both the whiskey and the Awamori casks used to finish it, this release is expected to attract significant interest from collectors, connoisseurs, and anyone curious about exploring whiskey beyond the conventional.
The intersection of American rye craftsmanship and Japanese distilling tradition makes this release a compelling addition to the whiskey world. With only a select number of bottles available, it’s poised to be a sought-after piece for those who appreciate both the history of whiskey-making and the innovation that drives it forward. As World Whiskey Society continues to carve out a niche with these creative cask finishes, it’s clear that they are not just chasing trends—they’re helping to set them.
About The World Whiskey Society
The World Whiskey Society (WWS) is a premium whiskey brand known for its focus on rare, limited-edition spirits. WWS sets itself apart in the crowded whiskey market through its dedication to craftsmanship, exclusivity, and innovation. The brand is recognized for sourcing some of the finest whiskeys globally, often working with esteemed distilleries and employing expert cask aging techniques to create unique expressions. Their offerings frequently include experimental finishes and rare barrels, resulting in one-of-a-kind flavors that appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike.
One of the hallmarks of WWS is its emphasis on exclusivity. Most of its releases are small-batch, often numbering just a few hundred bottles, making them highly sought-after among enthusiasts. These limited releases are typically presented in custom-designed, elegant packaging that reflects the premium nature of the product. In addition to traditional bourbon and scotch, WWS explores different whiskey styles from around the world, pushing the boundaries of what whiskey can be by experimenting with non-traditional aging processes and unique blends.
The society also builds a sense of community among its members and customers through its events, tastings, and educational content. They often release products alongside detailed information about the whiskey’s origin, production process, and tasting notes, engaging their audience with both storytelling and sensory experiences. This approach resonates with whiskey lovers who appreciate not only the drink but also the history and craftsmanship behind it.
In recent years, the World Whiskey Society has gained attention in the broader spirits community, making waves with some of its more adventurous creations, such as rare Japanese whiskey collaborations or unconventional cask finishes. While the brand caters mainly to collectors and seasoned drinkers, its innovation and quality have also helped introduce new consumers to the world of fine whiskey. As a result, WWS has carved out a distinct niche in the luxury spirits market, earning a reputation as a go-to source for unique, high-end whiskey experiences.
