‘This Is Our Rarest Whiskey’: Rabbit Hole Continues Founder’s Collection With Debut of Mizunara Bourbon

(Photo: Rabbit Hole Distillery)

On Tuesday, Rabbit Hole Distillery announced the second release of Mizunara, a 15-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

The latest release in Rabbit Hole’s rarest and most expensive series, the Founder’s Collection, Mizunara is what Rabbit Hole is hailing as its “rarest whiskey yet.”

“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,” Rabbit Hole Distillery founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Kaveh Zamanian said in a news release. “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.

“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 released its first Mizunara expression in 2021. The 2024 release comprises only 2,200 bottles, which will be available for purchase at the Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, and in select U.S. markets. A limited number of bottles are available for purchase through Rabbit Hole’s website.

Rabbit Hole Mizunara Founder’s Collection is bottled at a cask-strength proof of 103.8 and has a suggested retail price of $1,500 per 750-milliliter bottle.

“This is our rarest whiskey,” Rabbit Hole’s description of Mizunara Founder’s Collection reads on its online shop. “The best of the best.”

Rabbit Hole Mizunara Founder’s Collection Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Nutmeg, allspice, walnut and leather, balanced by notes of mint, honey, wood and orange

Taste: A sophisticated mix of earthy and confectionary flavors, Tobacco and oak linger as hints of custard, banana and cinnamon give way to floral notes.

Finish: Dark cherry and a lingering chocolate finish

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