(Credit: BBCo)
Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) is best known in the Kentucky bourbon industry for its position as the leading contract distiller, but it has also developed a reputable line of its own releases. Now it has unveiled the latest in its BBCo Distillery Reserve Series, Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish. After blending a thoughtfully chosen collection of 9- to 18-year-old aged whiskeys, the blend spent an extraordinary 28 months finishing in six, 66-gallon casks made of rare Japanese Mizunara oak—a bold maturation that reveals the full character of this elusive wood.
In addition to the wood choice and the extra large barrels (which slows wood absorption relative to the 53-gallon American Standard Barrel or ASB), the finishing journey began on Bardstown’s distillery grounds in Warehouse H, in a custom room specifically built to accommodate large barrels. This area sees wide temperature swings and rapid extraction, resulting in an increase in proof and strong imprint from the rich Mizunara Oak. Barrels were then transferred to the center of the first floor of the Warehouse E, one of Bardstown’s largest rickhouses, slowly concentrating the flavors and easing into the correct 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.”
Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish is presented at 109.3 proof (54.65% alc. by volume) and will be available beginning July 11. Distillery Reserve releases are small format 375mL and extremely limited in nature. They’re available exclusively at Bardstown Bourbon’s distillery gift shop and Louisville tasting room for $99.99.
