The key to crafting a world-class whisky is a happy marriage. More accurately, a few happy marriages.
There’s the marriage of carefully selected component spirits. The marriage of different international, high-quality oak casks for maturation. And, perhaps most importantly, the marriage of the Master Distiller’s precise science, and the Master Blender’s long-developed art.
The new, limited-edition Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend bourbon combines the distilling talents of seventh-generation Jim Beam pioneer Fred Noe with the blending expertise of Shinji Fukuyo —the fifth Chief Blender of The House of Suntory, founder of Japanese whisky. The result is a ground-breaking new bourbon with full-bodied depth and a harmonious balance of smooth, oaky warmth, bright flavours, and hints of spice.
Creation of this masterful spirit began with Noe’s distillation of premium-quality American corn. The raw distillate was then aged for eight full years where it emerged as a fully mature Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It then journeyed over 10,000 kilometres to the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, where Fukuyo took the reins with a first-ever final blending and maturation regime.
For this Legent release (the first was in 2019), Fukuyo matured the limited-edition bourbon he received in carefully chosen French Oak wine casks – and Spanish Oak sherry casks – to impart rich notes, and a vivid spiced finish. Additional reserve was 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 were blended with more eight-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Bottled at 57 per cent ABV (114 proof), Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is an ultra-premium spirit, elegantly packaged in a distinctly branded glass bottle and gift box.
“Partnering with Fred Noe on Legent Bourbon was an honour, and an exciting opportunity to create something special that represents East meets West,” said Fukuyo. “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.”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the House of Suntory , 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.
“Legent represents the future of whiskey innovation from The House of Suntory,” said Managing Director for the House of Suntory Jon Potter. “For generations, our master blenders have crafted world-class spirits through exceptional innovation and blending techniques. As we look to the next 100 years, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend exemplifies the global influence of Japanese craftsmanship and The House of Suntory’s consistent pursuit of mastery.”
Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend makes a perfect gift for the discerning whisky collector. Or propose a toast to the season yourself and enjoy this happy marriage of whisky cultures with family and friends.
Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is available for a limited time only in select locations across Canada. Pricing varies by region.
