Taconic Distillery Mizunara Cask Finish Bourbon

A little background

Taconic Distillery was founded in 2013 as a purveyor of craft spirits from the Hudson Valley area of New York. Their products are perfect for the avid outdoorsman, as they are all inspired by hunting and fishing, and designed to embrace a passion for the outdoors. Taconic’s Mizunara Cask Finish Bourbon was aged for an undisclosed period of time prior to being finished in Mizunara oak casks. This standard alcohol content for this whiskey is 90 proof, however, this review is based on the more limited 107 proof release. The suggested retail price for Taconic Distillery Mizunara Cask Finish Bourbon is $90.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Medium Copper

Nose

There is a dose of ethanol up front but it dissipates quickly, revealing some toasted grain, vanilla extract, caramel candies, some golden fruit, and plenty of musty oak.

Palate

This bourbon provides a medium mouthfeel with a prominent oak presence. The oak ushers in some raisins, more vanilla, and a pleasant bouquet of baking spice that balances nicely with the mild sweet notes. The oak really dominates the pour but the other flavors do have an opportunity to develop.

Finish

The finish is medium-long and relatively spicy. There is a slight ethanol burn, but it balances nicely with the rye and baking spices transitioning from the palate. I also found some cinnamon spice, caramel, and more musty oak that is the prominent lingering note.

In closing

This is an enjoyable pour with an interesting finish that comes in at a very favorable price point. Mizunara barrels aren’t cheap to purchase, so finding a bourbon finished in these unique Japanese casks for this price is great. Although this is not the most complex bourbon available and its youth does come through at times, there are definitely some nice flavors that break through the prominent oak notes and make for a fun challenge on the palate. Despite still being in its youth, Taconic Distillery is already releasing wonderful whiskey. If there are a few rising stars to keep an eye on, they’re one of them!