Woodford Reserve announced the release of the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish, which will be available for purchase in limited quantities in early November. This expression as created under the eye of industry veteran and Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, who partnered with Sonoma-Cutrer Winemaking Director Mick Schroeter, to develop a one-of-a-kind release.
“Our Master’s Collection has long been a favorite of mine to produce, as it gives me the chance to focus on and experiment with our five sources of flavor, one of the core attributes of Woodford Reserve,” says Morris. “The Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish allowed me to partner with Mick to develop a product that is particularly exciting, both for fans of Woodford Reserve and Sonoma-Cutrer.”
“Both wine and whiskey are born out of a commitment to a craft that both pays tribute to tradition, and is inspired by a love of innovation,” says Schroeter, “Chris and I are excited to offer a spirit that brings the best of both categories to life for fans of the brands.”
Because industry definitions require that bourbons be aged in new, charred oak barrels, the Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish is not technically a bourbon.
Released as the latest offering under the brand’s umbrella of nine total Master’s Collection expressions, the Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish was created by adjusting the whiskey’s fifth source of flavor—maturation. By finishing a batch of the original Woodford Reserve whiskey in a used Pinot Noir barrel that was shipped directly from the Sonoma-Cutrer winery in California, the release has a unique flavor profile. Originally, the barrels aged three unique vintages of the brand’s Burgundian style Pinot Noir, which gives this Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish a fruit forward flavor profile.
The Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish will be available for purchase in select markets within the United States and in limited international markets beginning in early November, with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Here are tasting Notes from the distiller:
Color: Rich, deep garnet
Aroma: Bursting with rich red fruit and berry character overlaying a complex sprinkling of spice (cinnamon, clove), oak and dark caramel.
Flavor: Warm and fruit forward with notes of cherry, raspberry, blackberry followed by a crisp spiciness and subtle oak sweetness.
Finish; Long and warm with lingering fruit and earthy oak character.