News from Woodford today, as they announced the release of their newest expression: Woodford Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish. It’s both a mouthful to say and the ninth installment in the brand’s Master’s Collection series. But this is their first whiskey to be aged in California Pinot Noir barrels.
By finishing a batch of original Woodford Reserve Bourbon in a used Pinot Noir barrel, you can expect a unique, fruit-forward flavor profile. And here’s a twist: the end result isn’t bourbon. Industry definitions require that bourbons be aged in new, charred oak barrels. So this doesn’t fit in the category, making it an interesting deviation from the rest of Woodford’s portfolio.
We’ve tasted several of Woodford’s Master’s Collection experiments, including the Four Wood and Maple Wood finishes. It always proves interesting. Now, here’s what the brand says this one tastes like:
Tasting Notes
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 and blackberry, followed by a crisp spiciness and subtle oak sweetness.
Finish: Long and warm with lingering fruit and earthy oak character.
Woodford Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish will begin hitting store shelves in select markets in mid-October with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
