Woodford Reserve

Woodford Master's Collection

Say what? New Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection is Chocolate Malted Rye Bourbon

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Woodford Master's Collection

I knew you were trouble when you walked in. | Courtesy of Woodford Reserve

There’s gotta be someone looking down on me, because this new release from Woodford Reserve has my name all over it! The latest in the brand’s Master’s Collection is a concoction called Chocolate Malted Rye Bourbon, and it comes out THIS MONTH!

You had me at chocolate. You had me even more at chocolate malt. The fact that it’s a high-rye bourbon just seals the deal. And you thought I was hard to get?

Tell me more, Chris Morris!

“The rye malt was roasted to a level that its natural sugars caramelized into a dark chocolate note,” Morris said in a news release. “This special bourbon even surprised me as it matured in our warehouses. Each time I tasted it, the chocolate notes became even more pronounced.”

It must be something if the master distiller is enticed!

The Master’s Collections come out twice a year — in the spring and in the fall. This bourbon is proofed at the Woodford standard of 90.4 and retails for $129.99. Of course it is highly limited, as it is a one-time-only release.

According to Morris’ tasting notes, the flavor notes include roasted rye grain, dry cocoa nibs, a dark chocolate spice, and a soft mocha character atop a layer of cherry fruit and toasted oak.

I can’t wait to try it!

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Coming soon: A Halloween edition of Tasteless Tastings … I promise! Keep your eyes peeled this week, girls and ghouls!

Today’s Reason To Drink

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WR_DDO_060415

I envision the Double Double Oaked being double double the trouble.

Woodford Reserve just announced it’s making a Double Double Oaked as part of its Distillery Series. Literally my heart fluttered and I gasped like Oprah had just entered the room. I could divulge other sordid details about my body’s reaction, but I’ll spare you.

I absolutely love the regular Woodford Double Oaked — in fact, it’s one of my favorites. But to create a Double Double? I can’t even begin to wrap my tongue around what that’s going to taste like. Sweet. Spicy. Smooth. Layered. Delicious.

In the press release, this is how they explain it:

Double Double Oaked is the result of finishing mature Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for an additional year in its second, heavily toasted lightly charred new oak barrel. The extra year in the barrel creates a bourbon that is distinctly spicier than its original counterpart, known for its sweeter taste and finish.

The catch here is you can ONLY purchase the Distillery Series (there will be three releases a year, and the other, a Sweet Mash Redux, is coming out with Double Double Oaked) at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles. The two straight bourbons are $49.99 each and will be available later this month.

I’m actually heading to the Woodford Distillery in a couple weeks as part of a media excursion to try these very releases. I will definitely report back with sordid and juicy details of everything I swallow. You’re welcome.

Woodford Reserve releases new Master’s Collection finished with pinot noir

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WRMC Pinot FinishI’ve always heard that you shouldn’t mix your spirits when drinking — if you want to avoid a hangover. I also heard that politicians never lie, love always prevails and Texas men will buy you beer for free. I call bullshit on all of it. And so does Woodford Reserve, which is releasing its new Master’s Collection next month that will feature its signature bourbon finished with California’s Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir.

Because this Woodford is aged/finished in a used red wine barrel instead of a new charred oak barrel, we Kentuckians know that it’s no longer bourbon — just a whiskey, but a whiskey I’d love to get my hands on and sample!

The new Master’s Collection was created through a partnership between Woodford’s master distiller, Chris Morris, and Sonoma-Cutrer’s wine director, Mick Schroeter.

“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.”

Schroeter points to the commitment to ingenuity that is constant throughout the history of both whiskey and wine.

“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,” he says. “Chris and I are excited to offer a spirit that brings the best of both categories to life for fans of the brands.”

The Master’s Collection will be available around town beginning in November. But with a price tag of $99.99 for a bottle, I’m hoping I can find it in a bar or from a generous friend.

You know where to find me!