Bearface Canadian Whisky just released Matsutake 01 – the U.S. debut of the Wilderness Series. This elementally aged whisky is infused with wild Matsutake mushrooms for a unique umami finish, the company states.
Inspired by the elements, flavors and changing seasons of the whisky’s wild Canadian home, Bearface created The Wilderness Series. The first collection within this series is an Elementally Aged trilogy blend of French Oak, Sherry Pipes and Casked Matsutake, resulting in a first-of-its-kind whisky in the U.S. that’s unique in both flavor and composition, according to the company.
“This Matsutake expression has been a long time in the making,” says Master Blender, Andrés Faustinelli, in a news release. “With each new limited release, we strive to shatter category norms and challenge traditions. I know Bearface Matsutake does just that. As seen with the latest spirits trends – umami flavors are in. The Matsutake mushroom grows once a year in the Canadian wilderness making it highly covetable and rare and brings a sophistication to this bottle unlike any other whisky.”
Using the Elements of the Canadian Wilderness
Elemental aging is the unique process where hand-selected oak casks are matured in repurposed shipping containers and exposed to the elements of the Canadian wilderness, the company states. The fluctuating temperatures within the Bear Country’s extreme northern climate amplifies how the whisky and wood interact, transforming the liquid inside the casks for a bolder, smoother flavor.
The limited-edition Bearface Matsutake is cask-infused with foraged matsutake, which is scarce around the world but abundant in Vancouver. The result is a complex and layered whisky with savory and cinnamon notes, followed by wild, earthy warmness and umami finish with subtle flavors from the fresh forest floor, according to the company.
Bearface Matsutake Whisky presents at 42.5% ABV and the new release is available now at select retailers in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington at an SRP of $44.99 per 750-ml. bottle.