Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

The first limited edition expression from Legent

Legent is an unprecedented collaboration between two whiskey legends. Fred Noe, from the founding family of bourbon and Jim Beam's seventh-generation Master Distiller. And Shinji Fukuyo, from the founding house of Japanese whisky and Suntory's fifth-ever Chief Blender.

Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend starts as Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted from American grain. Following eight years of aging in Kentucky, it then traveled to the outskirts of Kyoto for finishing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery.

Yamazaki, the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, was identified by Suntory as an ideal environment for maturation due to its distinct seasons and warm, humid climate. It is also where Suntory developed its signature concept of Tsukuriwake or “diversity of making,” which involves creating and harmonizing many different types of whiskies to create a subtle, refined and complex profile. This concept is applied while creating Suntory Japanese Whiskies as well as Legent Bourbon.

For this Legent release, Fukuyo matured the limited-edition bourbon in carefully chosen French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks to impart rich notes and a vivid spiced finish. The additional reserve is then selected for finishing in the exceptional and rare, former Yamazaki Spanish Oak Casks to introduce a full-bodied, malty depth and infuse nuanced layers of complexity. Finally, the three uniquely finished selections are blended with more eight-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in an ultra-premium, harmonious balance of oaky warmth, smooth brightness, and a distinctly long finish with hints of spice.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky and the establishment of Yamazaki Distillery. As The House of Suntory celebrates this milestone, the release of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend represents a look toward the next 100 years of Monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship), innovation and exceptional blending techniques from the founding house of Japanese whisky. 

"Overall, the influence of the used barrels — particularly the sherry casks and the Yamazaki cask — make this more a world blend than a bourbon. Having said that, it's still very enjoyable. Bring to your next whiskey tasting party and have your guests taste it blind." - Stephanie Moreno, Distiller (92 Points)