Rabbit Hole brings back mizunara finish
Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole Distillery is releasing a Japanese oak-finished whiskey for the first time since 2021.
Rabbit Hole Distillery, one of the newer players on Louisville’s Whiskey Row, is adding to its Founder’s Collection series, which showcases creativity in whiskey making. Dubbed the distillery’s ‘rarest whiskey yet’, this new release finishes 15-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon in Japanese mizunara oak for more than 11 months. “For years, I’ve been fascinated by the terroir and traditions of fine whiskey making,” said Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer. “When I finally got my hands on a handful of elusive casks from a small family-owned cooperage in Japan, I knew I wanted to create something special to honour the mystique and beauty of Hokkaido’s oak trees.” Mizunara Founder’s Collection is bottled at 51.9% ABV and priced at US$1,500. Only 2,200 bottles will be available at the distillery in select markets nationwide, with a limited quantity available for purchase through the Rabbit Hole Distillery website. “This special edition whiskey exemplifies the innovation and creativity that goes into each of our Founder’s Collection releases, and we’re proud to share this masterpiece with collectors who favour one-of-a-kind whiskies,” Zamanian added. Previous Founder’s Collection releases include a 12-year-old Bourbon finished in Amurana casks, a straight Bourbon finished in PX Sherry casks, and a 16-year-old Bourbon finished in French oak. The Founder’s Collection is released twice a year, with all whiskies bottled at cask strength. Mizunara is a porous and delicate wood, making it difficult and expensive to use in whisky making. Nonetheless, it can be a popular tool to drive demand for limited releases. Dewar’s recently released a 21-year-old Scotch finished in mizunara barrels. The Mizunara Founder’s Collection release features nutmeg, walnut, leather, and honey on the nose, with tobacco, custard and cinnamon on the palate. The limited edition bottle features a gold cork and patterned gift box. Rabbit Hole is owned by Pernod Ricard and debuted in the UK in 2022.