Bardstown Bourbon Co. Distillery Reserve Mars Blend of Bourbon and Single Malt Japanese Whisky Bridges Tradition and Breaks New Ground
- Amongst the Whiskey Team
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
May 26, 2026 (Bardstown, KY.) — Instead of leaving annual volume loss to the angels, Bardstown Bourbon Company has found a way to fill the empty space in its latest Distillery Reserve. Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend, a pioneering release that bridges Kentucky bourbon and Japanese whisky traditions in an entirely new way, is available in extremely limited quantities beginning May 29, 2026.
Developed in collaboration with Japan’s Mars distilleries, this limited release represents a first-of-its-kind co-aging process, uniting two distinct whisky cultures within a single barrel.
Japanese single malt whisky from Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries was shipped to Bardstown, Kentucky, where it was introduced into barrels containing mature bourbon. Rather than a traditional finishing approach, the Japanese whisky and Kentucky bourbon were aged together in-barrel, allowing the spirits to fully integrate and evolve, emerging 12 months later as one. The final year of aging allowed the products to develop and find balance together. It also added additional wood sugar and barrel character after a warm Kentucky summer.
The Japanese components—both crafted from 100% malted barley—bring a distinctive character shaped by their original maturation. Komagatake single malt, aged in Umeshu (plum liqueur) barrels, contributes rich fruit and floral complexity, while Tsunuki single malt, aged in rare Sakura (cherry wood) barrels, imparts delicate spice and subtle wood influence. Aged together with a foundation of Kentucky bourbons aged 10 and 16 years, the end result is a layered and globally inspired whiskey unlike anything else.
“This project is about more than blending—it’s about true integration,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Bardstown Bourbon Company. “By aging Japanese single malt whiskies together with Kentucky bourbon in the same barrel, we’ve created something entirely new. The result is a seamless conversation between two traditions, where neither overpowers the other, and both are elevated."
"We are hopeful that this collaboration will open up new possibilities in the art of whiskey-making,” said Mr. Kazuto Hombo, President of Hombo Shuzo Co, makers of Mars Whisky. "By fusing the techniques and philosophies each company has cultivated, and by utilizing carefully selected base whisky, aging environments, and delicate blending techniques, we aim to create a new whiskey experience that combines depth and elegance.”
The resulting whiskey is both complex and refined. Caramelized plums over roasted malt and vanilla bean lead to a rich, evolving palate of baked cherry and toasted oak. An exquisite, delicate finish encapsulates the best qualities of both bourbon and Japanese single malt whisky.
Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend is presented at 109.8 proof (54.9% alc. by vol.) and offered for $99.99 in the Distillery Reserve’s signature 375mL format. The Distillery Reserve is available exclusively at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s distillery gift shop and its Tasting Room in Louisville.
Launched in 2025, the Distillery Reserve is a platform for small-scale innovation, offering one-time-only releases that challenge the boundaries of whiskey through experimental finishes, extended aging, and uncommon blending. Prior releases, including Cathedral French Oak, Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel, and Cascadia Garryana Oak, have been praised by critics and consumers alike as standout whiskeys that reinforce Bardstown’s reputation for bold innovation.
A second innovation blending Japanese and American whisky traditions is currently underway at Mars’ Tsunuki Distillery in southern Japan. The Mars blend also combines Bardstown Bourbon whiskey with their own aging stock.
Mr. Hombo added, “Through this initiative, we intend to deliver unprecedented taste to our customers by respecting tradition while embracing innovation. While it will take a little more time, we are eagerly anticipating the results of this unique endeavor.”
Thoughts from the Authors
From Jes: Leads with a pillowy nose, sweet and candy-like with a spicy tingle. The Japanese influence isn't overtly present, the bourbon character dominating the more delicate spirit. It's pretty well balanced for a blend of two very different whisk(e)y expressions. Additional swirls give off saltwater taffy and sun-warmed spring blooms. This is light but expressive with hints of grape soda. Going in for a sip, the liquid lands silky, with bourbon leading the way, caramel and vanilla, while the Japanese malt takes over mid- to end-palate, citrus leaning with a slight hint of salt. I'm intrigued by this blend; both components play off one another quite well. Returning to the nose after a sip supports the creamy notes, turning buttery. I can see this as a perfect summer pour.
From Nick: First impressions definitely lean towards sugar-cookie, single-malt vibes—more like an Irish than a Scotch, though. The aromas are bright and tingly in the nostrils. Further inhales produce salted-caramel notes that morph into delicate sushi seaweed. Deep in the glass, there is a touch of smoke mixed with stone dust. Sipping for the first time, I find a wedge of juicy orange with a hint of cherry blossom and a continuous caramel backbone throughout. Another sip amplifies the creaminess as a touch of tobacco wisps across my tongue on the back end. Deep sips and swishes are where you will find the spice, but it's still tame, like it's over buttered bread. The nose offers more after a taste—cherry blossoms atop a stack of buttermilk pancakes. My empty glass smells like vanilla biscotti and diner coffee.
About Bardstown Bourbon
Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon combines the highest quality distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Is working to push the entire Industry In a direction that is more innovative, more transparent, and more collaborative. Bardstown Bourbon was named Icons of Whiskey Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025), IWSC's Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year (2023), and the only brand represented on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 list in five different years (2019, 2021-2025). Bardstown Bourbon Co. It is a part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American Whiskey distilleries in the U.S. For more information, visit BardstownBourbon.com and find a bottle near you today.
Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team
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