Suntory debuts Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish

The House of Suntory has launched a limited edition Legent Bourbon finished in Sherry casks that were previously used to mature Yamazaki Japanese whisky.

In 2019, Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe and Suntory chief blender Shinji Fukuyo collaborated to create “one-of-a-kind” Legent Bourbon, which was aged in wine and Sherry casks.

The House of Suntory has now released a limited edition version of Legent, said to ‘break new ground’ in the Bourbon category.

In addition to Bourbon matured in French oak wine casks and Spanish oak Sherry casks, the latest release includes Bourbon aged in Sherry casks previously used to mature Yamazaki single malt.

Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend starts as a Kentucky straight Bourbon crafted from American grain. After eight years of ageing in the state, it was transported to the outskirts of Kyoto in Japan for finishing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery, said to have a warm, humid climate.

Fukuyo said the original Legent whiskey was an “exciting opportunity to create something special that represents East meets West”.

He continued: “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 endeavour.

“The result is a first-of-its-kind whiskey with new layers of rounded and complex flavours.”

The use of French wine and Sherry casks imparts ‘rich notes and a vivid spiced finish’ on the final liquid, while the ex-Yamazaki Sherry cask brings a ‘full-bodied, malty depth and nuanced layers of complexity’.

Bottled at 57% ABV, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is recommended served neat or over ice.

The whisky is available for a limited time online and in select locations in the US, Canada, Germany, and global travel retail for RRP US$199.99.