Woodford Reserve releases Pinot Noir-finished whiskey

Woodford Reserve is to release the ninth edition of its Master’s Collection this November, a Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir-finished whiskey.

Woodford Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Finish continues the distillery’s work in different barrel finishes

The limited edition expression furthers the Brown-Forman-owned distillery’s work with different barrel finishes, and follows the release of Sonoma Cutrer Finish in 2007, and Four Wood in 2012.

Master distiller Chris Morris used a Pinot Noir barrel from the Sonoma-Cutrer winery in California to finish a batch of original Woodford Reserve whiskey.

The barrels, which previously matured three unique vintages of Pinot Noir, are said to have given the whiskey a “refreshingly fruit forward” flavour.

“Our Master’s Collection has long been a favourite of mine to produce, as it gives me the chance to focus on and experiment with our five sources of flavour, one of the core attributes of Woodford Reserve,” said Morris.

“The Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish allowed me to partner with Mick [Schroeter, winemaking director at Sonoma-Cutrer] to develop a product that is particularly exciting, both for fans of Woodford Reserve and Sonoma-Cutrer.”

The expression will be rolled out across the USand in key international markets at an RRP of US$99 for a 750ml bottle.