What happens when you bring two masters of the art of whisk(e)y making together to collaborate? Astonishingly delicious things, apparently. Legent Bourbon is the work of Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe and House of Suntory chief blender Shinji Fukuyo. The whiskey itself is a bourbon made with one of Fred Noe's recipes, which is aged initially in charred virgin white oak. Following this, portions are finished in California red wine casks and sherry casks, before being blended by Shinji Fukuyo. Fantastic results ensued.
Want to find out more? Head over to the blog to find out what happened when our Adam met Fred Noe and Shinji Fukuyo to talk all things Legent!
Plenty of classic bourbon character is at the forefront of the nose but the cask influence adds balance and depth. Brown sugar, toasted almonds, jammy fruits, butterscotch, vanilla and orange peel combine initially, with delicate warmth and spice provided from ginger root underneath. A hint of Pinot Noir and stewed black cherry emerge as the nose develops, with milk chocolate, sandalwood and hints of leather.
An initially deliciously silky delivery leads with rich caramel, floral notes and a suggestion of marmalade before chewy rye spice initially makes things more complex among savoury notes of roasted peanuts and a slightly bitter quality from charred wood, coffee beans and unsweetened dark chocolate. Dark cherry jam and stewed plums then burst through adding vibrant fruitiness alongside the sweetness of vanilla, cake batter, muscovado sugar and a hint of cola. Warmth from freshly-ground black pepper is present in the backdrop.
Chocolate-covered cherries, black fruits, sugary cereals (Sugar Puffs, mostly) and a hint of liquorice fade ever so gradually; while the nutmeg and oak spices play about for longer.
I like floral whiskeys that aren't too floral. This one's just a smidge too floral for my tastes and has a bit of a youthful sharpness to it. Decent overall, but for a smoother, well balanced floral whiskey derived mostly from corn, I recommend going with Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey.
I am new to the Whiskey scene. I've sampled roughly two dozen different brands. This is one of my favorites by far. I highly recommend it.
