Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall has been busy. Just last month, she unveiled the first bottling of Woodford Reserve with her name on it, the Toasted Oak Four Grain. And now she’s following up with the fall 2023 Master’s Collection release, Sonoma Triple Finish.
As Woodford Reserve's range of limited-edition whiskeys launched in 2004, the Master’s Collection allows the distillery to stretch its creative limbs. Previous releases include 2022’s Historic Barrel Entry and 2021’s beer-inspired Five-Malt Stouted Mash. This time around, McCall added a unique touch to the finishing process. Sonoma Triple Finish was made with a blend of Woodford Reserve that has been finished in Sonoma County pinot noir, brandy, and former bourbon barrels used to age red wine.
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Of course, Woodford is no stranger to interesting finishes, particularly ones involving wine barrels. According to the brand, they released the first ever pinot noir-finished Kentucky bourbon, the Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Finish (both Sonoma-Cutrer and Woodford Reserve are owned by Brown-Forman). More recently, they rolled out the cognac cask-finished Baccarat Edition, as well as the Distillery Series’ Honey Barrel Finish.
“The result is a whisky that brings together the worlds of bourbon and wine in a way unlike any we’ve released before,” said McCall.
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, grilled pineapple, and red plum. The palate delivers red fruit alongside vanilla bean and oak notes. The long finish features more oak, followed by red grape tannins.
Woodford Reserve Sonoma Triple Finish is available for $150 at the distillery in limited quantities, as well as select retailers globally.
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