World Whiskey Society (WWS) announced the release of its 108-Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Japanese Mizunara Shochu Barrels. Limited to only 2,000 bottles globally, this 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,” Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society, said in a news release. “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, the 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 extremely 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.

This limited edition bourbon retails for $124, is currently available on the WWS online shop and at select retailers nationwide. 

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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. For more information about World Whiskey Society and its exceptional range of rare whiskeys, including latest releases, visit https://worldwhiskey.com/.