Woodford Reserve Sonoma Triple Finish Release “Master’s Collection” Release
If you’re a fan of Kentucky bourbon, then you know that Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of the most respected names in the business. Their Master’s Collection has been giving bourbon collectors something to look forward to since 2004, and this year they’ve released Limited Edition Series No. 19: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish. Let’s take a look at the details for this whiskey release.
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What is Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection?
This was started as experiments so to speak in the process of making whiskey. Master Distiller Chris Morris was experimenting with a variety of expressions that differentiated from the flagship offerings from the Woodford County, Kentucky distillery. The first release of that series was a “Four Grain” expression that has went on to pop up in other releases such as the beloved “Distillery Series.”
However, just like each and every release, Master’s Collection 19th Edition is something vastly different. These are experimental expression nonetheless that play with various aspects of making bourbon. That includes testing different versions of the mashbill, distillation process, and of course the maturation and finish. This release, Woodford Reserve Sonoma Triple Finish, focus on the last part of that equation.
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Here we’ll review everything bourbon lovers need to know from price to proof. This highly anticipated October bottle drop is featured on our 2023 bourbon release calendar, so stay tuned to that for all of the upcoming releases.
Review & Tasting Notes
This new 2023 Master’s Collection release is something that may peak the interest of connoisseurs of other spirits categories, including wine! This bourbon expression started as theWoodford Reserve flagship bourbon, then it was finishedin Sonoma County Pinot Noir, Brandy, and Bourbon barrels that were also used to age red wine. Let’s just say these white oak barrels do not discriminate, and they have blessed a wide variety of spirits. The barrels that keep on giving!
AsMaster Distiller Elizabeth McCall has taken the helm from Chris Morris, she has gained inspiration from priorMaster’s Collection release which have also used aspects of this Sonoma Triple Finish. In 2014, the distillery released Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Barrel Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Say that three times fast! Fast forward to 2016, and a Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Brandy Cask Finish was release for this series.
Nonetheless, Sonoma County Pinot Noir is viewed as one of the best regions for this specific wine. Due to the cooler climate inRussian River Valley, Carneros, and Sonoma Coast,Sonoma County California is known for theirPinot Noirs. Kentucky bourbon fans get the idea behind that science but also the culture that drives it.
It should also be noted that the owner of Woodford Reserve Distillery, Brown-Forman, also owns Sonoma-Cutrer. How convenient to share amongst brands within the portfolio, but also this tips a hat to the ever-growing movement of sustainability in bourbon with white oak production and whiskey distillation headed for a crash course at the current trajectory.
So what can you expect from this Woodford Reserve Sonoma Triple Finish? The whiskey is a spice-forward expression of their flagship product. If you’re a fanWoodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, then add more rich notes of fruit and vanilla. The barrels used for finishing featured bold red and dried fruit notes, in addition to hints of dark chocolate.
This is vastly different from the last Master’s Collection release, Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry. The unique bottle stays the same though, which has been updated over the last few years. Moving way from the pot still style that had been used for years, to a bottle with the similarly-round edges that you will find across their lineup. However, this a700ml bottle. No, not the typical 750ml bottle that you would find in most releases. Something new for this 2023 release is the $150 MSRP, up from the last $130 price.
Aroma-wise, this whiskey has notes of vanilla and cinnamon dusted grilled pineapple slices and red plum fruit. On the palate you can expect red fruit warmed with rich vanilla bean and oak notes. The finish leaves you witha trail of long oak and red grape tannins.
“The result is a whisky that brings together the worlds of bourbon and wine in a way unlike any we’ve released before.”
– Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall
Color
Burnt Sienna
Nose
Aroma: Vanilla and cinnamon dusted grilled pineapple slices and red plum fruit.
Palate
Taste: Vine and red fruit warmed with rich vanilla bean and oak notes.
Finish
Long oak and red grape tannins.
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Release Date & Availability
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish will be available at the distillery in Versailles, Kentucky starting on October 17, 2023. If you are close by, that’s your best option. However, it will also be available in select U.S. markets as well as global markets through retailers and liquor stores.
Proof & ABV
Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish can be expected at the same 90.4 as the flagship Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. That’s equal to 45.2% ABV.
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Mash Bill
This mash bill for Woodford Reserve Sonoma Triple Finish contains 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This grain mixture along with their yeast strain create that unique Woodford flavor profile that you expect across most expressions in their lineup.
MSRP & Secondary Price
The suggested retail price for one bottle of Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish is $149.99. However, due to limited availability and interest in the product by collectors, flippers, and connoisseurs alike, markups and secondary prices will inevitably be higher. Expect secondary prices ofWoodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish to be within the $200 to $300 range.
Looking back at past releases of similarly comparable product, the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Finish is going for more than $400 in today’s hot market. That release is several years old however, so naturally locating more vintage bottles is a more challenging task. Good luck bourbon hunting!
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