Woodford Reserve Partners with Sonoma-Cutrer to Unveil Unique Whiskey Expression

08 Oct 2014 --- Woodford Reserve announces the release of its latest product, the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish, which will be available for purchase in limited quantities in early November. This new whiskey release cements the brand's longstanding commitment to, and appreciation of, innovation.

The Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish was created under the watchful eye of respected 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 that challenges long held industry definitions of the category.

Because industry definitions require that bourbons be aged in new, charred oak barrels, the Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish is not technically a bourbon. Rather, it represents the overall direction of the category, one that sees inspiration stemming from ingenuity, passion and creativity. The Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish is a release that is inspired by, and pays tribute to, the original commitment to ingenuity that have been constant throughout the history of both brands.

"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."

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 that hasn't been experienced in a bourbon before. Originally, the barrels aged three unique vintages of the brand's Burgundian style Pinot Noir, which gives this Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish a refreshingly fruit forward flavor profile that is truly one-of-a-kind. 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 for 750ml.

The Master's Collection has become an acclaimed addition to the Woodford Reserve portfolio, with the Collection gaining its inspiration from the tradition and rich heritage that surrounds the brand's historic distillery. Though home to Woodford Reserve, the distillery has been a category pioneer as early as the mid-1800s, when owner Oscar Pepper and Master Distiller James Crow developed several key processes that shaped the early days of the category, and which continue to be used, including sour mashing and charred barrel maturation. The Woodford Reserve Distillery is visited by more than 130,000 visitors each year.

Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish

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.