Bardstown and Mars create Japanese-Bourbon blend
Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company has partnered with whisky maker Mars to develop a limited edition blend that combines Bourbon and Japanese single malts.
Created in partnership with Japan’s Mars distilleries, the blend claims to be the result of the ‘first-of-its-kind’ co-ageing process.
To create the limited edition, Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries sent their single malts to Bardstown, where they were placed in barrels containing 10- to 16-year-old Bourbons.
Before shipping, the Japanese Komagatake single malt was aged in umeshu plum liqueur barrels, which is said to add rich fruit notes and floral complexity to the blend.
In contrast, the Tsunuki single malt is aged in sakura cherry wood barrels, imparting delicate spice and subtle wood influences to the resulting whisky.
The three distinct whiskies were aged and married in barrels in Kentucky for 12 months before being bottled at 54.9% ABV.
The release is bottled under Bardstown’s Distillery Reserve range, which launched in 2025. The blend follows the series’ previous releases: Cathedral French Oak, Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel, and Cascadia Garryana Oak.
Dan Callaway, master blender of Bardstown Bourbon Company, commented on the collaboration: “This project is about more than blending – it’s about true integration. By ageing Japanese single malt whiskies together with Kentucky Bourbon in the same barrel, we’ve created something entirely new.
“The result is a seamless conversation between two traditions, where neither overpowers the other, and both are elevated.”
On the palate, the expression displays notes of caramelised plums, roasted malt, vanilla bean, baked cherry, and toasted oak.
Bardstown Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend retails for US$99.99 for a 375ml bottle.
It is available now exclusively at Bardstown Bourbon Co’s distillery gift shop and its tasting room in Louisville.
Kazuto Hombo, president of Hombo Shuzo Co, the parent firm of Mars Whisky, said: “We are hopeful that this collaboration will open up new possibilities in the art of whiskey-making.
“By fusing the techniques and philosophies each company has cultivated, and by utilising carefully selected base whisky, ageing environments, and delicate blending techniques, we aim to create a new whiskey experience that combines depth and elegance.”
A new innovative blend is also currently underway at Mars’ Tsunuki Distillery. The Mars blend combines Bardstown Bourbon with the Japanese distillery’s own ageing stock.
Hombo added: “Through this initiative, we intend to deliver unprecedented taste to our customers by respecting tradition while embracing innovation. While it will take a little more time, we are eagerly anticipating the results of this unique endeavour.”
Earlier this year, Bardstown Bourbon Company partnered with Virginia Distillery Co for a 50:50 Kentucky straight Bourbon and American single malt blend.
Related news
Edrington exits American whiskey with Wyoming sale
