The House of Suntory, a pioneer of Japanese whisky, proudly announces the launch of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend, a limited-edition whiskey breaking new ground in the bourbon category. In addition to selections of bourbon matured in French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks, this unique blend also features a selection of bourbon aged in Spanish Oak sherry casks previously used to mature The House of Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky.
“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.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky and the establishment of Yamazaki Distillery. As The House of Suntory celebrates this milestone, the release of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend represents a look toward the next 100 years of Monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship), innovation and exceptional blending techniques from the founding house of Japanese whisky.
“Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend symbolizes the House of Suntory’s forward-thinking approach to whiskey innovation,” says Megan Cuff, Brand Manager at Beam Suntory Canada. “Across generations, master blenders have honed their craft, delivering exceptional spirits through innovative blending techniques. As we look to the next century, this expression showcases the worldwide impact of Japanese craftsmanship and the House of Suntory’s unwavering commitment to achieving mastery.”
Legent Bourbon, launched in 2019, was the first innovation from Fred Noe, Seventh-Generation Master Distiller at James B. Beam Distilling Co., and Shinji Fukuyo, Fifth-Generation Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky, marking the first Kentucky Straight Bourbon to be blended with Japanese expertise. Legent Bourbon was born from two true masters of their craft coming together to make an unprecedented whiskey that represents the best of East meets West. The Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is its first limited-edition release. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
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