World Whiskey Society Spotlights Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Mizunara Barrels

New York, NY (June 30, 2025) - World Whiskey Society (WWS), known for scouring the globe to create the world’s most interesting whiskeys, is highlighting its 108-Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Japanese Mizunara Shochu Barrels. Limited to only 2,000 bottles globally, this collectible expression, dubbed the Samurai Edition, represents one of the first known bourbon releases finished in this rare and distinctive cask style.

“We’re proud of this extraordinary, virtually unrepeatable bourbon finished in Japanese Mizunara Shochu casks,” says Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society. “With only 2,000 bottles available worldwide, this expression reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating rare, world-class whiskey experiences that collectors and connoisseurs won’t find anywhere else.”

After maturing in newly charred American oak, this bourbon is finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks previously used to age Shochu, adding remarkable complexity and distinctive flavor to the final spirit. With a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, the bourbon originates from Bardstown Bourbon Company—one of the most technologically advanced distilleries in the United States.

As an exceptionally rare and collectible release, the Samurai Edition features a striking Samurai helmet topper and delivers a smooth, sweet, and sophisticated whiskey with robust, hard-hitting heat. A testament to WWS’s cask finishing expertise, this unique expression stands as one of the first—and few—Mizunara Shochu cask-finished bourbons on the market.

“...Not sure if it is for the type of whiskey or the longest title for any whiskey ever bottled! But, yes, this is a first because in the 20,000-plus whiskies I have tasted for the bible alone, I can confirm I have never before encountered this fascinating combination,” says Jim Murray, whisky writer, critic, and author of Whisky Bible 2022, who scored the bourbon a 93.5. “When I approach unique whiskies like this, it is my habit to close my eyes and formulate in my mind how I expect the nose and flavors to pan out, given what I understand about the distillation and casks.”

This limited edition bourbon retails for $124, is currently available on the WWS online shop and at select retailers nationwide. For more information about World Whiskey Society and its exceptional range of rare whiskeys, including latest releases, please visit the WWS website. 

About World Whiskey Society

Established in 2020, the World Whiskey Society (WWS) comprises an ultra-premium collection of rare expressions previously unavailable to even the most sophisticated whiskey enthusiasts. WWS scours the globe far and wide with a singular goal in mind – uniqueness – before selecting a distillery partner to join WWS. Or they may choose to release something completely new by finishing small-batch American bourbon in exotic oak barrels from Japan. Whether it is the Classic Collection, the Reserve Collection, the tributes to Doc Holliday, or the Diamond Collection, WWS offers whiskies for everyday enjoyment and moments of celebration.