A Cultural Celebration in a Glass
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – RD1 Spirits, a trailblazing Kentucky bourbon brand, unveils its 2025 Limited Release Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, a unique expression that honors Lexington’s Sister Cities: Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France. This gold medal-winning whiskey (95 Points, 2025 New York International Spirits Competition) blends 5- and 7-year-old bourbon with 8-year-old rye, finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, merging Kentucky’s bold spirit with global wood influences.
Crafting a Global Whiskey Experience
This “Sister Cities” expression reflects RD1’s innovative approach to wood finishing, combining classic Kentucky whiskey with international flair. The process begins with a 5-year-old bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley) aged in new, charred American White Oak barrels. French Oak necklaces extend maturation, doubling the finishing time of RD1’s standard French Oak release. This bourbon is blended with a 7-year-old bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) and an 8-year-old rye (51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley), adding depth and complexity. The final touch comes from lightly toasted Japanese Mizunara staves, imparting delicate sandalwood and incense notes.
“We saw this as more than a whiskey experiment,” said Jarrad Gollihue, PhD, R&D Master Distiller for RD1 Spirits. “It’s a cultural expression. Japanese Mizunara and French Oak each bring their own subtle but complex influence and beautifully showcase the bold foundation of the Kentucky bourbon and rye.”
Tasting Notes: A Journey of Flavors
This 51% ABV (102 Proof) whiskey, priced at $69.99 MSRP, offers a dynamic tasting experience:
- Aroma: Incense, citrus blossom, subtle florals
- Palate: Sandalwood, rye spice, baking spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak, red fruit
- Finish: Medium to long, with soft heat and a lingering Maraschino cherry note
Honoring Lexington’s Sister Cities
Lexington’s cultural ties to Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France, inspired this release. By incorporating Mizunara and French Oak, RD1 celebrates these connections through innovative whiskey craftsmanship.
“For those of us who work to foster international connection, seeing a local distillery embrace our Sister Cities with such care and creativity is incredibly rewarding,” said Kay Sargent, executive director of the Lexington Sister Cities Commission. “This new release speaks to the power of cultural appreciation, and how those values can be shared through something as iconic as Kentucky bourbon.”
Availability and How to Purchase
With only 1,500 cases (6-pack, 750ml) produced, this limited release is available at RD1’s new distillery at The Commons in Lexington on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and select retailers nationwide. Online purchases will be available at RD1spirits.com later this month. Follow
@RD1spirits on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
About RD1 Spirits
Founded in 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits pushes the boundaries of bourbon through innovative wood finishing. Inspired by Lexington’s first federally registered distillery in 1865, RD1’s entrepreneurs craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon that tells a story of heritage and experimentation. Visit their R&D distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at RD1spirits.com or follow
@RD1spirits on social media.
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