Woodford Reserve has announced the latest Distillery Series release: French Oak Cask Finished Rye.
The French Oak Cask Finished Rye completes a trilogy of rye offerings released this summer, including Blended Rye and Toasted Oak Rye. Developed by Master Distiller Chris Morris, French Oak Cask Finished Rye is a batching of the rye mash distillate used in the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Aged Cask Rye that matured in French oak barrels for three years.
The French oak barrels originally held Pinot Noir before they were seasoned with Woodford Reserve bourbon. This combination produced a soft, fruit-forward rye with hints of baking spices, the company reports.
Aromas include buttery shortbread with hints of nuttiness and Kiwi fruit coated with drizzled honey resting atop a plank of toasted cedar, the company says. Other flavors include brown butter and honey brushed on grilled pineapple.
French Oak Cask Finished Rye is available for purchase at the Woodford Reserve Distillery as well as select Kentucky retailers. French Oak Cask Finished Rye is presented at 86.4 proof with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 375-ml bottle (varies by market).
French Oak Cask Fished Rye is the seventh Distillery Series expression to join the portfolio of experiments.
