A MASTERFUL COLLABORATION BETWEEN TWO WHISKEY LEGENDS LANDS ON NEW ZEALAND SHORES
Monday 16 September 2019, 9:57AM
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East Meets West as this first-of-its-kind bourbon melds Kentucky distilling tradition with Japanese blending excellence.
Today, Beam Suntory New Zealand proudly announces the launch of Legent™, a unique bourbon that brings together the best of the East and West.
A first-of-its-kind, Legent (pronounced ‘lee-jent’) is a unique innovation that starts as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the Beam classic family recipe and is aged in wine and sherry casks before being blended with more Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in a perfectly balanced yet complex and layered whiskey.
At its heart, Legent celebrates mastery and collaboration. The super-premium bourbon is expertly distilled by Fred Noe, seventh-generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam and great-grandson of the man himself, and artfully blended by Shinji Fukuyo, fifth-ever Chief Blender of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky.
“Two great cultures have come together as one for this unique drop,” says Ben Andrews, Marketing Manager at Beam Suntory New Zealand.
“It’s a flavour profile never before tasted in New Zealand and we are ready for this premium bourbon experience.”
From grain to bottle, Legent is made using the finest ingredients and materials. Starting with high-quality grain, calcium-rich limestone water and newly charred white oak, the extra-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon is then aged in hand-selected wine and sherry casks and rested over the warm Kentucky summer pulling spice and fruity undertones from the wine-soaked barrels.
The liquid is then meticulously blended to achieve a bourbon like no other resulting in a bold spirit that is rich on the nose yet approachable and well-balanced on the palate with a bright, smooth and unexpectedly long finish.
Master Distiller Fred Noe says Legent is really something special.
“As a bourbon distiller, I enjoy breaking rules and creating new traditions. It was a real honour collaborating with Shinji on what I think is different from anything out there in the bourbon world.”
Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo says he has always been fascinated by the flavour profiles that can be achieved through innovation.
“Using the historic bourbon recipe of Fred’s family as a solid foundation, I was able to explore new taste profiles and reach a final product that reimagines what the future of bourbon can be.”
Legent comes to market during a time of strong whiskey category growth in New Zealand and is a unique offering for both frequent bourbon drinkers and discerning sippers looking to try something new. The highly versatile bourbon can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic or new-age bourbon cocktail.
Legent cocktails are available at Auckland restaurants, Huami and The Sugar Club or alternatively it can be purchased at all good liquor retailers nationwide from September 16 for $99.99 (700mL).