New Bardstown Bourbon’s 2025 Hokkaido Mizunara Oak

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Bottle Hokkaido Mizunara With a glass
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A Global Whiskey Adventure Begins

Bardstown Bourbon Company proudly announces the return of its Distillery Reserve series with the Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish, a limited-edition release launching July 11, 2025. This small-batch whiskey, crafted in Bardstown, Kentucky, blends ancient Japanese tradition with bold American innovation, taking whiskey lovers on a journey from Japan’s remote forests to Kentucky’s rolling hills.

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

A Rare Mizunara Oak Finish

The 2025 Distillery Reserve is a testament to precision and artistry. This release blends 9- to 18-year-old whiskeys for balance and depth, followed by an extraordinary 28-month finish in six 66-gallon Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. These rare barrels, crafted from Hokkaido’s twisted, slow-growing oak trees, impart distinctive notes of spice and umami, shaped by the region’s rich volcanic soil.

Unique Aging Process

The finishing journey began in Warehouse H, in a custom room designed for large barrels, where wide temperature swings and rapid extraction elevated the whiskey’s proof and intensified the Mizunara oak’s influence. The barrels were then moved to the center of Warehouse E, Bardstown’s largest rickhouse, to slowly concentrate flavors and achieve perfect balance.

“Mizunara oak is unlike anything else in the world,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. “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.”

Flavor Profile

This whiskey delivers a rich and complex profile:

  • Base Notes: Caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla.
  • Mizunara Influence: Sandalwood, subtle coconut, and a delicate whisper of incense.
  • Proof: Bottled at 109.3 proof (54.65% ABV).

Rarity and Exclusivity

Hokkaido Mizunara Oak is exceptionally limited, produced from just six barrels and packaged in 375mL bottles. Available exclusively at Bardstown Bourbon’s distillery gift shop and Louisville tasting room for $99.99, this release follows the acclaimed Cathedral French Oak, featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes. The scarcity of Mizunara oak, combined with the technical challenge of coopering its wild, winding grain, makes this whiskey a true collector’s item.

Continuing a Legacy of Innovation

The Distillery Reserve series exemplifies Bardstown Bourbon’s commitment to pushing boundaries through exploratory finishes, extended aging, and uncommon blending. As part of Lofted Spirits, Bardstown Bourbon combines cutting-edge distillation with Kentucky’s rich whiskey heritage. The company has earned prestigious accolades, including:

  • Icons of Whisky Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025).
  • Highest-Rated American Whiskey by Whisky Advocate (2024).
  • Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year (2023).

For more details, visit: BardstownBourbon.com.

About Bardstown Bourbon Company

Bardstown Bourbon Company redefines the whiskey experience by blending innovation with tradition. Home to the most modern, technically advanced distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bardstown Bourbon delivers spirited hospitality and exceptional whiskeys. As part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American whiskey distillers, the company continues to drive the industry toward greater transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

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