Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Series 9 Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2014) 70cl
For more than a dozen years, each Fall, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller has released a special “Master’s Collection”
For the 2014 Master’s Collection release, fully matured, cask strength Woodford Reserve was rebarreled in Sonoma-Cutrer (owned by Woodford parent company, Brown-Forman) French oak Pinot Noir barrels, where it spent another 10 months. The wine barrels saw three wine vintages before they were filled with bourbon. Once the finishing process was completed, the final product was bottled at 90 proof (the same as standard Woodford Reserve). A total of 36,334 bottles were produced for this one-time release.
Since Brown-Forman owns their cooperage(s), it was much easier to do a project like this. They tracked the harvesting of the trees and followed the staves all the way into their cooperage to create these barrels. Brown-Forman typically makes their barrels from an equal mix of oak from the Ozarks, Northern America and the Appalachia Mountains, so you can appreciate the distillery’s caution to ensure they don’t get mixed up.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: It has a big cherry and fruity perfumed kick to it that overpowers any traditional bourbon scents. It’s a rather odd mix of smells. Most shocking is that when it’s first poured from the bottle, the bourbon smells like its gone bad. Allowing some air to circulate in it helps open up some of the bourbon and oak aromas.
Palate: It has a very red fruit base to it. Cherry, currants and hints of strawberry and raspberry. Beneath the fruit are layers of oak, cedar and vanilla with touches of chocolate and earthiness. Very Pinot Noir tasting. While it has a medium body and nice mouthfeel, this bourbon is just overpowered by the wine that it was infused with from the barrel.
Finish: The finish leaves you with a funky aftertaste that lingers far too long. I actually squished my face when the the finish first hit. It tastes like some concoction you might have made in college when you were just learning to mix cocktails. It’s a mashup of flavours that that are completely unbalanced. It truly tastes like someone poured Pinot Noir in your bourbon and said, “Here drink this.” The flavours don’t mingle well and there is a very noticeable kick in Pinot Noir flavour near the end of the finish. This flavour really stays with you after the sip is gone, much like red wine does. That makes sense for wine, but with bourbon, it’s just odd.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is situated among beautiful horse farms - in fact, it’s one of the only places in Kentucky where you can see the state’s two most famous products – Bourbon whiskey and thoroughbred horses – maturing side-by-side. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.
We believe the World's Finest Bourbon is crafted through a unique blend of time, patience, science, and art. For years, this philosophy has been championed by our Master Distillers, Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall, who have been instrumental in driving innovation and shaping the very essence of Woodford Reserve.
In 2023, Elizabeth McCall stepped into the role of Master Distiller, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. Now, as Master Distiller, she continues to push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship.
With this transition, Chris Morris has moved into a revered role as Master Distiller Emeritus, where his invaluable insights will continue to inform and inspire. Together, Chris and Elizabeth ensure every drop of Woodford Reserve is a true spectacle for the senses.
Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, overseeing quality and innovation and leading special releases, including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).
McCall has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and began her career as a member of Brown-Forman’s Research and Department in 2009.
McCall was a Master Taster and Assistant Master Distiller before being named master distiller in February 2023.
She interacts one-on-one with consumers through personal barrel selections and education on sensory methodology and works to define the quality sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.
45.2% ABV
70cl
