"Partnering with Fred Noe, Seventh-Generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam Distilling Co, on Legent Bourbon was an honor and an exciting opportunity to create something special that represents East meets West," said Fifth-Generation Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky Shinji Fukuyo. "Taking it one step further to create this limited-edition release that is finished by the climate of Yamazaki Distillery creating its unique matured aroma and reimagined with our blending techniques has been an exciting endeavor. The result is a first-of-its-kind whiskey with new layers of rounded and complex flavors."
Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend starts as Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted from American grain. Following eight years of aging in Kentucky, it then traveled to the outskirts of Kyoto for finishing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery.
Yamazaki, the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, was identified by Suntory as an ideal environment for maturation due to its distinct seasons and warm, humid climate. It is also where Suntory developed its signature concept of Tsukuriwake or "diversity of making," which involves creating and harmonizing many different types of whiskies to create a subtle, refined and complex profile. This concept is applied while creating Suntory Japanese Whiskies as well as Legent Bourbon.
For this Legent release, Fukuyo matured the limited-edition bourbon in carefully chosen French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks to impart rich notes and a vivid spiced finish. The additional reserve is then selected for finishing in the exceptional and rare, former Yamazaki Spanish Oak Casks to introduce a full-bodied, malty depth and infuse nuanced layers of complexity. Finally, the three uniquely finished selections are blended with more eight-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in an ultra-premium, harmonious balance of oaky warmth, smooth brightness, and a distinctly long finish with hints of spice.
