The Duke Club - July 2022
Some of our favorite whiskey makers… making some damn good whiskey.
LEGENT
EAST MEETS WEST BOURBON
DISTILLERY: Collaboration between Booker’s and Suntory Whisky
James B. Beam Distilling Co
LOCATION: Clermont, KY
PROOF: 94* (47% ABV)
MASH BILL: Corn, rye, malted barley
NOSE: Classic bourbon character at the forefront with cask influence adding balance and depth. Brown sugar, toasted almonds, jammy fruits, butterscotch, vanilla and orange peel initially shine with warmth and spice provided from ginger root underneath. A hint of bright red fruit and acidity with stewed black cherry emerges later, with milk chocolate, sandalwood and hints of leather.
PALATE: An initially silky delivery leads with rich caramel, floral notes and a suggestion of marmalade before chewy rye spice initially makes things more complex. Dark cherry jam and stewed plums burst through, adding vibrant fruitiness alongside vanilla, cake batter, and a hint of cola. Freshly ground black pepper rounds out the experience.
FINISH: Chocolate-covered cherry, black fruit, sugary cereals, and a hint of liquorice fade ever so gradually; while nutmeg and oak spices linger.
RECOMMENDED SERVING: Neat (if you’re into that - especially in the winter) or over a large cube (if you prefer to sit with this one and let it evolve).
RECOMMENDED CIGAR FROM OUR FRIENDS AT LEATHERWOOD:
Southern Draw Kudzu - made with mature, complex Nicaraguan tobacco. This beauty is meant to be the defining feature of the Southern Draw line-up. A little more rustic, this one boasts big flavor with ample spice and longevity.
Plasencia Reserva - one of my personal favorite cigar brands; 100% organically grown tobacco. This lovely cigar exudes notes of toasted almonds and cashews, with a delightfully light finish of cereal grains that pairs nicely with the spice of the whiskey.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WHISKEY
First of all, it’s good.
Secondly, everyone enjoys a good story when they open a new bottle.
This whiskey is a collaboration between Fred Noe of Booker’s and Shinji Fukuyo (the 5th EVER master blender of Suntory Whisky fame). Noe used one of his rare recipes to develop this bourbon. After spending the right amount of time in virgin, charred white oak barrels, portions were aged in California Pinot Noir barrels and Spanish sherry casks. The matured lots were sent to Fukuyo, who used his Master blending skills to creatively and complexly layer the different barrels to create this masterpiece of a bourbon; one that defies classification and deserves to be part of your home bar.
Enjoy heartily!