World Whiskey Society launched in 2020 with the goal of curating rare, unique, and interesting expressions of whiskey from across the globe. Their latest find is a 12-year-old Indiana Rye, matured in American oak casks before being finished in Japanese Awamori casks. Awamori is a Japanese liquor made from rice, and this release marks the first time Awamori casks have been used to age rye whiskey. But as with any innovation in distilling, the question is always how these decisions affect the final product. In this case, the Awamori casks add a unique twist to the flavor profile, with subtle hints of umami, brine, toasted coconut, and ripe mango rounding out an otherwise classically rye expression (think black pepper, cinnamon, and caramelized sugar). It’s a whiskey unlike any other; for this whiskey maker, that’s exactly the point. $169, worldwhiskey.com

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