RD One Sister Cities KSW FINISHED WITH JAPANESE MIZUNARA AND FRENCH OAK Limited Release

Experience the exceptional RD One Sister Cities KSW FINISHED WITH JAPANESE MIZUNARA AND FRENCH OAK Limited Release—a small-batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey blending 5- and 7-year bourbons with 8-year rye, matured in American oak and artfully double-finished with rare Japanese Mizunara and elegant French Oak for a truly innovative profile. This award-winning 2025 expression delivers aromatic notes of incense, citrus blossom, and subtle florals, with a palate journey through sandalwood, rye spice, baking spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak, and red fruit, culminating in a medium to long finish with soft heat and lingering Maraschino cherry. Crafted to honor Lexington's Sister Cities—Shinhidaka and Deauville—RD1 Spirits showcases global artistry in whiskey finishing with only 1500 cases produced, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs searching for exclusive, cultural, and complex Kentucky whiskey.

Process & Profile

Expertly crafted by RD1 Spirits, the limited release Sister Cities KSW is a sophisticated blend of 5- and 7-year-old Kentucky bourbon and 8-year-old rye whiskey, matured initially in American oak. It is then *finished with rare Japanese Mizunara oak and French oak necklaces*, merging international wood influences into a genuinely unique Kentucky Straight Whiskey. This innovative dual finishing imparts the complexity of Mizunara’s sandalwood and incense with the signature spice and elegance of French oak.

• Mashbills:

- 5-year bourbon: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley - 7-year bourbon: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley - 8-year rye: 51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley

• Proof & ABV:

- 102 Proof (51% ABV)

• Edition:

- 1500 cases produced, 750 ML bottles

Tasting Notes

• Nose:

Cloves, incense, citrus blossom, subtle florals, sweet stone fruits like cherries and dark plums, tart orange, brown sugar syrup, hints of milk chocolate and wintergreen.

• Palate:

A dynamic journey of sandalwood, rye spice, baking spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak, caramel, red fruit, cherry candy, honeyed sweetness, and tart orange peel. Balanced rye spice and mellow bourbon sweetness complement with dry spicy wood and a touch of chocolate.

• Finish:

Medium to long with soft heat, lingering maraschino cherry, deep warmth, white pepper spice, smoky barrel char, and persistent sweet fruit candy.

What Makes It Special

• Global Barrel Influence:

Finished in both Japanese Mizunara oak (rare and highly prized for notes of sandalwood and incense) and French oak, offering twice the finishing time compared to other RD1 French Oak releases.

• Complex Blend:

Incorporates mature rye and bourbon for a flavor profile balancing grain-forward spice and rounded sweetness, subduing sharp overtones and elevating complexity.

• Limited Edition & Craftsmanship:

Only 1500 cases produced for the 2025 release, showcasing RD1’s dedication to premium small-batch experimentation and global inspiration.

• Accessible Experience:

Expertly blended for both enthusiasts and curious newcomers, easily enjoyable neat or in upscale cocktails, yet sufficient in complexity for contemplative sipping.

How to Enjoy

• Neat:

Savor at room temperature in a Glencairn or whiskey tumbler to appreciate the layered aroma and finish.

• On the Rocks:

Adding a single large ice cube gently softens the spice and highlights floral and fruit notes.

• Premium Cocktails:

Shine in classic whiskey-forward cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned, where Mizunara’s exotic character and the deep rye spice offer elevated dimension.

• With Food Pairings:

Complements barbecue, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate, enhancing both sweet and savory notes. RD One Sister Cities KSW FINISHED WITH JAPANESE MIZUNARA AND FRENCH OAK stands as a celebration of diverse barrel aging traditions, offering an exceptionally nuanced pour for collectors and adventurers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Frequently Asked Questions