LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodford Reserve
today 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 today 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 today, including sour mashing and charred barrel
maturation. Today, the Woodford Reserve Distillery is visited by
more than 130,000 visitors each year.
Tasting Notes for 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.
Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation
(NYSE: BF.B), a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage
alcohol brands such as Jack
Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila
Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, and Tuaca. Please enjoy
your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve,
visit www.woodfordreserve.com or visit Facebook at
www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Pinot Noir
Barrels, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., produced and bottled by the Woodford
Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY
©2014
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SOURCE Brown-Forman