Woodford Reserve has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation in the whiskey world with the release of its latest Master’s Collection edition for Fall 2024. The new expression, titled Madeira Cask Finish, is the 20th installment in the renowned Master’s Collection, continuing the distillery’s legacy of blending tradition with creative finishing techniques.
Image credit: Woodford Reserve
A Milestone in Whiskey Finishing Techniques
This year's release holds a special significance for Woodford Reserve as it celebrates 20 years of the Master’s Collection. The release also serves as a nod to the brand’s pioneering history in experimenting with wine cask finishes, a practice that was initially considered controversial but has since become widely adopted across the whiskey industry.
The 2024 Madeira Cask Finish continues Woodford Reserve’s exploration of wine-cask finishes, following in the footsteps of previous wine-centric releases. Last year’s edition featured whiskey aged in a combination of Sonoma County pinot noir, brandy barrels, and ex-bourbon barrels used to age wine, emphasizing the brand's connection to both bourbon and wine traditions. The latest release builds on this theme, combining the bold flavors of Woodford’s bourbon with the rich notes imparted by finishing in Madeira wine casks, offering a unique sensory experience.
A Fusion of Bourbon and Wine in a Madeira Cask Finish
What sets the Madeira Cask Finish apart is its distinct finishing process. After aging the whiskey in traditional bourbon barrels, Woodford Reserve’s distillers took the extra step of finishing the spirit in Madeira wine casks, known for their deep, fruity flavors. Additionally, the whiskey is blended with wheat whiskey, giving it an even smoother texture and adding complexity to the flavor profile.
Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve’s Master Distiller, expressed her excitement about this release, highlighting its significance in the brand’s journey. "Madeira Cask Finish is a tremendous way to celebrate 20 years of the Master’s Collection," McCall stated in the official release. She also noted that the decision to finish whiskey in wine casks was considered quite controversial back in 2007 when Woodford Reserve first experimented with this technique. However, the brand's bold move paved the way for other distillers, and now wine-cask finishing is a common practice in the industry.
Tasting Notes and Flavors
As with previous Master’s Collection releases, the Madeira Cask Finish is a showcase of complex, layered flavors that evolve with each sip. The finishing process in Madeira wine casks imbues the whiskey with rich notes of dark fruits, which are balanced by the natural sweetness of Woodford Reserve’s bourbon.
- Nose (Aroma): The aroma is a delightful blend of candied oranges, morello cherries, and warm baking spices like clove and nutmeg, with undertones of brown sugar. These rich scents set the stage for a luxurious tasting experience.
- Palate (Taste): On the palate, the whiskey offers a robust medley of dark fruits, particularly raisins and dried cranberries, which give way to a nutty profile with hints of candied walnut and baking spices. The addition of wheat whiskey smooths the experience, making each sip rich yet refined.
- Finish: The finish is long and lingering, leaving behind sweet flavors of candied walnut that gently fade, encouraging another sip.
A Celebration of Innovation and Tradition
The Madeira Cask Finish is more than just a whiskey; it’s a celebration of two decades of Woodford Reserve’s Master’s Collection and the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation within the world of bourbon. Since its inception in 2006 with the release of “Four Grain,” the Master’s Collection has continuously pushed the envelope of what bourbon can be, exploring new aging techniques, unique barrel finishes, and blending methods that offer consumers a novel experience with each new edition.
By introducing wine cask finishes early in its Master’s Collection journey, Woodford Reserve set a trend that many distilleries now follow. The 2024 Madeira Cask Finish is a reflection of how far the industry has come, as well as a reminder of Woodford Reserve’s leadership in this space.
Where to Buy the 2024 Madeira Cask Finish
Whiskey enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this limited-edition release can purchase the Madeira Cask Finish at select retailers across the U.S., as well as directly from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The whiskey is also available for online purchase and shipping in select states (KY, ND, NE, ND, and Washington, D.C.), making it accessible to a broader audience of collectors and connoisseurs.
Priced at $169.99 per 750-milliliter bottle, or $179.99 for a 700-milliliter bottle, the 2024 Madeira Cask Finish comes in at 45.2% ABV, making it a complex and flavorful addition to any whiskey collection. This pricing reflects not only the unique aging process but also the craftsmanship and history behind the Master’s Collection, making it a valuable addition for those who appreciate fine whiskey.
Woodford Reserve: A Legacy of Excellence
Woodford Reserve has long been known for its ability to combine traditional Kentucky bourbon-making techniques with modern, innovative methods. Founded in the heart of bourbon country, Woodford Reserve’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship is reflected in every release, and the Master’s Collection serves as the pinnacle of that dedication.
The 2024 Madeira Cask Finish is the latest in a long line of exceptional whiskeys from this iconic distillery, and it perfectly encapsulates the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of bourbon production while remaining rooted in tradition. For whiskey lovers who enjoy rich, fruit-forward flavors with a touch of history, this release is sure to impress.
In conclusion, the Woodford Reserve Madeira Cask Finish 2024 release is a fitting celebration of two decades of innovation in whiskey making. With its expertly crafted blend of bourbon and wheat whiskey, finished in Madeira wine casks, this 20th installment in the Master’s Collection promises to offer a unique and memorable tasting experience for whiskey enthusiasts everywhere.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon whiskey brand that has earned widespread acclaim for its commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. Produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation, Woodford Reserve is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery located in Versailles, Kentucky. The distillery's roots date back to the late 1700s, making it one of the oldest bourbon distilleries in the United States.
Woodford Reserve is renowned for its meticulous production process, which adheres to traditional bourbon-making techniques while embracing modern innovations. The brand's mash bill consists of a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, carefully selected to impart a balanced and complex flavor profile to the whiskey. The distillation process takes place in copper pot stills, and the whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop rich flavors and aromas over time.
One of Woodford Reserve's signature expressions is its flagship Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This bourbon is characterized by its smoothness, depth of flavor, and notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. In addition to its core range, Woodford Reserve offers a variety of other expressions, including Double Oaked, Rye, and limited-edition releases, showcasing the brand's versatility and creativity.
Woodford Reserve is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, implementing practices to minimize its environmental impact and conserve natural resources. The distillery's picturesque grounds and visitor center welcome guests from around the world, offering guided tours and tastings that provide insight into the whiskey-making process and the history of Woodford Reserve.