RD1 Spirits tells BourbonBlog.com they are introduing a limited release, Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, that invites whiskey fans into a global conversation.
Aged with 5- and 7-year Bourbon and 8- year Rye (51% ABV / 102 Proof) – $69.99 MSRP. RD1 produced 1500 cases (6-pack, 750 ML) of this Sister Cities expression.
About the Whiskey & Its Finishing Process
The 2025 “Sister Cities” expression—a blend of 5- and 7-year-old bourbon with 8-year-old rye—is finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, bringing together the American spirit of Kentucky whiskey with the wood character imparted from two different countries.
Here is how it was made
- Base Bourbon:
- 5-year-old bourbon
- Mashbill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley
- Aged in new, charred American White Oak barrels
- French Oak Finish:
- French Oak “necklaces” added to the casks
- Finish time: twice as long as RD1’s existing French Oak portfolio release
- Blending Components:
- 7-year-old bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley)
- 8-year-old rye (51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley)
- Both added depth and grain-forward contrast
- Final Finishing Touch:
- Lightly toasted Japanese Mizunara oak staves
- Imparted notes of sandalwood and incense, characteristic of Mizunara
Whiskey Tribute to Lexington’s Sister Cities: Shinhidaka, Japan & Deauville, France
Through the Lexington (KY) Sister Cities Commission, RD1’s hometown has sister cities in Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France. This new release reflects RD1’s experimental ethos and hometown pride, honoring those global ties with innovative wood finishing from both countries.
“We saw this as more than a whiskey experiment,” said Jarrad Gollihue, PhD, R&D Master Distiller for RD1 Spirits. “It’s a cultural expression. Japanese Mizunara and French Oak each bring their own subtle but complex influence and beautifully showcase the bold foundation of the Kentucky bourbon and rye.”
“For those of us who work to foster international connection, seeing a local distillery embrace our Sister Cities with such care and creativity is incredibly rewarding,” said Kay Sargent, executive director of the Lexington Sister Cities Commission.
“This new release speaks to the power of cultural appreciation, and how those values can be shared through something as iconic as Kentucky bourbon.”
Tasting notes from RD1:
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Aroma: Incense, citrus blossom, subtle florals
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Palate: A dynamic journey of sandalwood, rye spice, baking spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak, and red fruit
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Finish: Medium to long, with a soft heat and a lingering note of Maraschino cherry
How to Buy a Bottle
The 2025 Limited Release “Sister Cities” is now available at the new RD1 Distillery at The Commons in Lexington on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and sold through select retailers across the country.
The whiskey will be available for online purchase at RD1spirits.com later this month.
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