Dao Distillery’s “De” Limited Edition channels founder Tim Liu’s focus on elevating rice distillate into a polished, American-oak aged whiskey that feels both familiar and distinctly Californian. Produced from 100% rice, the spirit is fermented and distilled clean, then matured in new American oak to pick up vanilla, toasted coconut, and gentle baking spice while preserving a soft, silky core. The program reflects Dao’s roots in modern Bay Area craft distilling with an eye toward Asian grain traditions, translating them into a whiskey framework that rewards neat pours but holds up in simple cocktails. It is a nuanced bridge between sake polish and bourbon warmth, concise and compelling.