Woodford Reserve’s Latest Bourbon Is Finished In Sonoma Wine Barrels

The top-shelf bourbon benefits from an extra year of aging in wood sourced from Sonoma wine country.

Woodford Reserve’s Master’s Collection has previously yielded some of the Kentucky distillery’s boldest expressions—among them is Batch Proof 124.7, which clocked in at 62.3 percent ABV to become Woodford’s strongest whiskey yet.

By comparison, the latest Master’s Collection release is more subtle and nuanced. At 90.4-proof/45.2-percent ABV, Sonoma Triple Finish is still stronger than almost every other mass-produced bourbon around, but the flavor profile benefits from a finish in barrels sourced from Sonoma wine country.

Specifically, already fully-matured whiskey was aged for an additional year or longer in pinot noir, brandy and former bourbon barrels used to age red wine.

“The result is a whisky that brings together the worlds of bourbon and wine in a way unlike any we’ve released before,” promises Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall. See the official tasting notes below:

• Color: Burnt Sienna.
• Aroma: Vanilla and cinnamon dusted grilled pineapple slices and red plum fruit.
• Taste: Vine and red fruit warmed with rich vanilla bean and oak notes.
• Finish: Long oak and red grape tannins.

Priced at $149.99, Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection: Sonoma Triple Finish is available at select retailers now.