Based in 2001 within the quiet countryside of Starlight, Indiana—simply 15 miles northwest of Louisville—Starlight Distillery is a standout on the American whiskey panorama. Although the lights of Louisville aren’t far, the Huber household’s farm and distillery are tucked right into a rural expanse the place custom, craft, and innovation thrive throughout a whole bunch of acres.
Initially established for brandy manufacturing, Starlight has developed into one of the vital thrilling names in American whiskey. Identified for its daring experimentation and mastery of ending casks, the distillery has gained widespread acclaim not only for its straight bourbon and rye, however particularly for its dynamic single-barrel releases. Over time, followers have eagerly awaited older expressions—and now, Starlight is answering that decision.
Enter Starlight Carl T. Huber’s Mizunara Reserve Bourbon, a batched launch that pays homage to the distillery’s signature model whereas pushing boundaries. Aged for 7.5 years, this bourbon blends custom with rarity—ending in Mizunara oak casks sourced from Hokkaido, Japan.
Mizunara Reserve Batch #B2404 is a thoughtfully composed mix of Starlight’s 3-grain and 4-grain bourbon mashbills, with a stronger presence from the 3-grain recipe (60% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley). The 4-grain mashbill contains 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat. All grains—corn, rye, and wheat—are estate-grown and non-GMO, whereas the malted barley is regionally sourced.
Fermentation lasted three days in closed-top stainless-steel tanks earlier than double distillation in a custom-built Vendome copper and brass pot nonetheless. The spirit was collected at round 155 proof and barreled at 120 proof into new American oak from a mixture of cooperages, primarily Spirit of Canton. These barrels featured #2 and #3 char ranges with toasted heads.
For the completion, the whiskey was transferred to Mizunara oak casks, famend for his or her uncommon, fragrant affect. These barrels—crafted from 200-year-old timber—are notoriously troublesome to work with because of the wooden’s knotty nature and curvature. Every Mizunara barrel, costing round $6,000, was hand-grooved and constructed with an unusually excessive variety of slim staves—excess of the standard 31–33 utilized in customary bourbon barrels. The bourbon then rested in these valuable casks for a further 6 months, marrying its wealthy American character with unique notes imparted by Japanese oak.
Securing the elusive Mizunara oak casks was no small feat—it took Starlight over two years to supply and import these uncommon barrels from Japan. Coupled with the prolonged ageing that whiskey lovers have been clamoring for, Batch #B2404 represents a severe funding in each time and craftsmanship. So, after years of endurance and anticipation, does the Mizunara Reserve Bourbon dwell as much as the hype? Let’s dive in and discover out.
Starlight Carl T. Huber’s Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Evaluate
The bouquet opens with an arresting mixture of chargrilled peaches and heat caramel sauce. Given a second to breathe, the bourbon releases aromas of macadamia nuts and a touch of saffron that lingers simply above the rim of the Glencairn. The nostril is daring, alluring, and marked with intrigue. There’s a noticeable spice presence, but it’s stored in test by a powerful sense of concord.
On the palate, roasted macadamia takes the lead, setting a decadent tone. That is rapidly adopted by notes of butterscotch and dulce de leche, making a confectionery richness with out ever feeling cloying. Halfway via, the peach reappears, this time lending an opulent texture that enhances the general depth.
The end provides a hanging shift: sassafras takes the forefront, evolving into dried apricot with a well-tuned development. Lengthy after the ultimate sip, cardamom and saffron proceed to linger, leaving a deeply memorable impression that refuses to fade.
This can be a standout instance of what considerate cask ending can obtain in bourbon. At 112 proof, the stability is impeccable—providing readability and depth with out overwhelming warmth. Whereas Starlight has constructed its title on single barrel bottlings, this batched launch is nothing wanting distinctive.
The $150 price ticket could give some pause, particularly for a bourbon aged simply over seven years. However when contemplating the estate-driven, grain-to-glass strategy—and the inclusion of prized ending casks—the value level turns into much more justifiable. Judging by what’s in my glass, it’s price each penny.
112 proof. Reviewed: Batch #B2404.
A / $150 / starlightdistillery.com
Starlight Carl T. Huber’s Mizunara Reserve Bourbon
USD150
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