Barrell Craft Spirits does it again by releasing a Japanese Mizunara Oak-finished bourbon blend at 116.42 proof and aged at least six years. You may remember that Barrell's fantastic Vantage release uses bourbon aged in Mizunara Oak. But what is Mizunara Oak?
What is Japanese Mizunara Oak?
Japanese Mizunara Oak, a rare and expensive wood, is a type of oak tree exclusively found in Japan. Its unique characteristics and porous nature make it highly prized for aging whiskey. This exclusivity allows bourbon to interact more deeply with the wood, imparting distinct flavors like sandalwood, coconut, and oriental spices. The rarity and exclusivity of Mizunara Oak make it a sought-after choice for bourbon enthusiasts and distilleries like Barrell Craft Spirits, aiming to create premium, high-quality spirits.
Of course, being the premier blender in the industry, this Mizunara Oak-finished whiskey is a blend of bourbon whiskeys distilled in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Review of Barrel Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara
The Nose
The best way I can describe the aroma of Barrel Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara is that it begins with notes of a tropical cinnamon Sherry. It is mildly creamy, with some ethanol present, but the golden raisin notes hint at sweet anise. After a few sips, I returned to the nose, and more sweetness in the form of raw honey, mild maraschino cherry, and ethanol came through. Give this aroma time to open up. Open the bottle, let it sit for a week, and then return. You will be pleasantly surprised by its complexity.
The Palate
The palate of Barrel Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara is like woody, honey-buttered cinnamon bread with a mild mint kick. It has a creamy sweetness with warm undertones, especially after reaching the mid-palate. What is interesting is that once it passes the mid-palate, it gets unusually smooth. Don't get me wrong; there's an excellent heat as it goes down the esophagus, but absolutely no burn. Overall, it's mildly sweet and spicy and has the oily mouthfeel you've come to expect from Barrell Craft Spirit bourbons.
The Finish
The finish is a beautiful woody honey-almond spice and peppermint mix.