Woodford Reserve Distillery’s latest Master’s Collection spirit exited its original American white oak charred barrel as a mature bourbon, was then poured into a used Brandy barrel for a couple more years and then technically left that barrel not as a bourbon but a whiskey.
Woodford Reserve has announced the release of its latest expression in the Master’s Collection Brandy Cask Finish. Marking the eleventh release in the series, Master Distiller Chris Morris began with fully mature Woodford Reserve bourbon which was then finished in brandy casks for nearly two years. Upon completion of the maturation period, the finished casks were batched together to create a whiskey with crisp caramel and dried fruit notes. Finishing fully mature Woodford Reserve in these brandy casks accentuated Woodford Reserve’s rich dried fruit and nut characteristics developed from the grain recipe and fermentation process.
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Brandy, a spirit distilled from wine or fruit, is often aged in oak barrels. Unlike bourbon, brandy does not have the new, charred barrel requirement allowing their barrels to be used multiple times. Therefore, this release is technically not a bourbon but rather a finished whiskey.
“As with every Master’s Collection release, this expression highlights Woodford Reserve’s creativity and dedication to innovation. I’m extremely proud to say we’ve yet again done something very special,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Among Woodford Reserve’s many flavors include fruit and spice notes which the brandy casks emphasize. Both products showcase rich, intense vanilla notes from their barrel maturation making the combination of the two a true success.”
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Brandy Cask Finish will be available for purchase in select markets within the United States and in limited international markets beginning in November with a suggested retail price of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle presented at 90.4 proof.
Woodford Reserve’s Master’s Collection Brandy Cask Finish
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