Rabbit Hole Releases Second Mizunara Finished Bourbon

Award-Winning Craft Distillery Releases Rarest Whiskey Yet: 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished In Japanese Oak – Rabbit Hole 15 Year Mizunara Cask Finished Bourbon

Press Release

Rabbit Hole Distillery Unveils Founder’s Collection Limited-Release Mizunara

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Rabbit Hole Distillery today announced the second release of Mizunara, a remarkable 15-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in the world’s most elusive barrels crafted from Japanese Mizunara Oak. Mizunara is the latest addition to the brand’s highly coveted Founder’s Collection.

What Is Mizunara Oak?

Mizunara Oak – the white oak that grows on Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan – has a long and storied history. “Mizu” translates to water while “nara” translates to oak. It takes between 200 and 500 years for this elusive tree to reach maturity and only then can the most skilled master coopers turn this porous and delicate wood into barrels fit for aging fine whiskey. For this limited release, Rabbit Hole Distillery Founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, selected a handful of 15-year-old whiskey barrels from his own personal collection and finished them in these special Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels, revealing a remarkable, one-of-a-kind whiskey.

Rabbit Hole’s Founder’s Collection

Rabbit Hole’s Founder’s Collection is a platform under which Zamanian and team develop unique expressions that showcase his creativity and commitment to the artistry of whiskey making. Released bi-annually, each limited-edition, cask-strength offering stands as a testament to Rabbit Hole Distillery’s ethos: “No Shortcuts. No Compromise. Nothing Left To Chance.”

“For years, I’ve been fascinated by the terroir and traditions of fine whiskey making. 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 honor the mystique and beauty of Hokkaido’s oak trees. When crafting Mizunara, I chose barrels from my personal collection of Kentucky straight bourbon – each aged to perfection for 15 years – and finished them in casks made of the finest Japanese Mizunara Oak for more than 11 months,” said Zamanian. “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 favor one-of-a-kind whiskeys.”

Rabbit Hole Mizunara Tasting Notes

(Tasting notes are from the Rabbit Hole Distillery. I have not tasted this bourbon)

Each sip of Mizunara greets you with a nose of nutmeg, allspice, walnut and leather, balanced by notes of mint, honey, wood and orange, before filling your palate with a sophisticated mix of earthy and confectionery flavors. Tobacco and oak linger as hints of custard, banana and cinnamon give way to floral notes, then fade into dark cherry and a lingering chocolate finish. The limited-edition bottle and box – individually numbered for authenticity – are works of art themselves. The bottle features an impressive heavy gold cork, while the linen-patterned gift box is designed to display the deep mahogany liquid in its full grandeur.

Only 2200 Bottles Are Available

Mizunara was first released in 2021. Today, only 2,200 bottles of the new Mizunara are available for purchase at Rabbit Hole Distillery and in select markets nationwide. A limited quantity of bottles is also available for purchase online through Rabbit Hole Distillery’s website, www.rabbitholedistillery.com.

Price: $1500

The 750 mL bottle has a suggested retail price of $1,500.00 and is 51.9% ABV (103.8 proof). Must be 21 or older to purchase.

Photo Credits: Rabbit Hole Distillery

Commentary

What I’m thinking: This bourbon is very expensive, even at today’s prices. I still see bottles of the first Rabbit Hole Mizunara Cask Finished Bourbon sitting on the shelves, so, I am a little perplexed at the even higher price. Sure, a 15 year old bourbon and Mizunara casks command a bit of a premium, but IMHO, this is too much. In addition, at this price, I would like to know the source of the bourbon, as well. Have you tried either of the Rabbit Hole Mizunara releases? I would love to know your thoughts! Cheers!🥃

Would you like to learn more about Rabbit Hole? Then check out our Rabbit Hole Distillery Tour Review and our short article about Rabbit Hole Bourbon!

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