Beam Suntory has announced the launch of Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish, said to be the first ever Islay single malt finished in mizunara oak casks.
Unveiled in London, the expression will be available from 1 September on allocation in the UK, US, Germany, France, Sweden, Japan and in travel retail. It is limited to 2,000 bottles, each priced from £650.
Mizunara oak casks embarked on the 6,000 mile journey from Japan to Islay.
Cultures and languages differ but master craftsmanship is admired the whole world over. Combining the best of the east and the west in a first for scotch malt whisky, Bowmore Mizunara cask finish is an intriguing marriage of Scottish strength and passion with Japanese elegance and refinement.
Here, in a first for scotch malt whisky, these legendary Mizunara casks became home to Bowmore’s celebrated single malt, resting peacefully in the infamous No.1 Vaults. A remarkable creation has emerged which is a rare masterpiece indeed, merging the skills of the great whisky distilling nations.
Selected ex-sherry and ex-Bourbon matured liquid was finished for three years in virgin Japanese mizunara oak with the result described as a “marriage” of Scottish strength and Japanese elegance. While the release carries no age statement, David Turner, Bowmore head distiller, said that expressions contains “different vintages of the nineties”.
Mizunara trees grow in northerly Japan and can take up to 300 years to reach maturity. The casks used for Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish were handmade in Japan before being transported to Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults warehouse where the liquid fully matured. It is thought that this is one of the first occasions the casks have left Japan for use in whisky production elsewhere.
Tasting Notes
Mizunara Cask Finish – 53.9% ABV
On the eye warm amber.
Breathe in spicy, mellow sweetness carried on a fresh ocean breeze.
Sip sweet vanilla, cedar wood, exotic mango and honey rose blossom.
Savour floral spice and fragrant smoke.
